For high school students with their sights set on the stars, astronomy programs offer a rare opportunity to move beyond textbooks and engage with the universe through research-grade technology. These programs let you work with telescope images, simulate planetary motion, and help you explore concepts like stellar evolution or cosmic structure through guided instruction. As a participant, you may also encounter tools such as coding platforms or visualization software that support modern astronomical research. The format can vary widely, but most astronomy programs are designed to show how scientific questions about the universe are explored and answered in practice.
Why should you choose a program in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin is home to institutions like the Yerkes Observatory, often called the birthplace of modern astrophysics, and UW–Madison, a global leader in neutrino astronomy and cosmic ray research. Astronomy programs in the state offer access to the same facilities and data used by scientists at the South Pole or NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. In addition to formal programs, local astronomy societies and outreach initiatives provide ways to build observational skills over time.
To help you find the right fit for your academic goals, we have curated a list of 15 astronomy programs for high school students in Wisconsin.
If you want to explore more such opportunities, you can check out our list of astronomy summer programs beyond Wisconsin or browse a broader list of summer programs in Wisconsin.
1. University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point Astronomy Camp
Location: University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI
Cost: $450 (commuter) | $575 (residential, double room) | $650 (residential, single room); scholarships + $25 early-bird discount available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – 25
Application deadline: Not specified, but the camper profile must be completed at least three weeks before the start date
Eligibility: Students, ages 13 – 18
This is a four-day, in-person camp held at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point’s Science Building, where you will explore topics like constellations, the solar system, space exploration, dark matter, and exoplanets. Each session is led in a classroom setting, but you will have opportunities to explore remote observatories through a platform called SLOOH. Evenings include stargazing sessions with counselors. You can choose to commute daily or stay overnight in campus dorms. The schedule runs from morning through evening each day, with social activities built in alongside the academic sessions.
2. Summer Science Program (SSP) in Astrophysics
Location: University of Wisconsin-River Falls, WI
Cost: 0 – $11,800 based on family income; more info available here
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; estimated to accept ~36 students/campus each year
Dates: June 15 – July 18
Application deadline: February 19
Eligibility: High school juniors who are 15 – 18 years old and have completed/will complete any level of high school physics and precalculus before the start of the program
This intensive astronomy program for high school students in Wisconsin focuses on the study of near-Earth asteroids through a combination of physics, mathematics, and programming. You will work in small teams to complete a full research cycle, from selecting an asteroid to collecting observational data and calculating its orbit. The program introduces you to tools such as telescopes, celestial coordinate systems, and Python-based data analysis libraries. You will also apply concepts from calculus and celestial mechanics to determine orbital elements. The final outputs contribute to larger scientific databases used to track asteroid trajectories.
3. WIPAC IceCube After School Program
Location: Wisconsin IceCube Particle Astrophysics Center (WIPAC), Madison, WI
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by year; ~16 – 21 students in past cohorts.
Dates: April 1 – 29
Application deadline: February 27
Eligibility: High school students from the Madison, WI area
This astronomy program for high school students in Wisconsin introduces you to high-energy astrophysics through the study of neutrinos and cosmic rays. You will analyze real data from the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and explore how scientists detect particles from distant cosmic events. Sessions include coding exercises, data visualization, and hands-on activities with detection tools such as cloud chambers. You will also interact with researchers and graduate students, gaining insight into current astrophysics work. It concludes with presentations where you will share your work with peers.
4. NASA HUNCH Program
Location: Several locations, including Wisconsin
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Academic year
Application deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Students at participating Wisconsin high schools
This project-based program connects high school students to space science through hands-on engineering and design work. You will contribute to real-world challenges linked to NASA missions, including those associated with the International Space Station and future exploration initiatives. Depending on the track, you may work on software development, hardware prototyping, or system design relevant to aerospace contexts. By working alongside professionals, you will gain insight into how space-related technologies are developed and tested.
4. WIPAC IceCube Masterclass
Location: UW–Madison, Madison, WI
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 20 – 30 students
Dates: One-day event typically in March – May
Application deadline:
Eligibility: High school sophomores and higher who are registered by a teacher
This one-day astronomy program offers high school students a focused introduction to particle astrophysics. You will begin with lectures on neutrino astronomy and the technology used to detect these particles. The program then shifts to guided data analysis, where you will examine simplified datasets from the IceCube detector to identify neutrino events. You will also learn how observations from extreme environments, such as the South Pole, contribute to our understanding of the universe. A live interaction with scientists will provide additional context on ongoing research.
6. NASA OSTEM Internships and Programs
Location: Online and NASA centers around the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipends available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 10 to 15-week opportunities in summer, spring, and fall
Application deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: High school students, ages 16 and up, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, who are U.S. citizens
NASA offers various STEM learning and internship opportunities to high schoolers around the country. You can choose from online and in-person experiences updated here. As a participant, you will work with NASA scientists and engineers on projects focused on satellites, astronomy, and engineering. You may work with real satellite or mission data, connect with professionals, and learn about workplace expectations. This can also be an opportunity to explore career paths at NASA and gain exposure to real space agency work.
7. Yerkes Observatory Volunteers
Location: Yerkes Observatory, Williams Bay, WI
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Year-round
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students who are 15+
This astronomy program in Wisconsin allows high school students to engage with astronomy through public outreach and observatory operations. As a volunteer, you will assist with tours, events, and educational programs while learning about the history and development of astrophysics. You will gain exposure to observational practices, including how large telescopes are used to study celestial objects. Your responsibilities may also include explaining basic astronomy concepts to visitors.
8. Madison Astronomical Society’s Events
Location: UW Space Place, Madison, WI
Cost: $30 (student membership)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Monthly meetings throughout the year
Application deadline: None
Eligibility: Open to all
Through this community-based astronomy program, you can participate in regular meetings, discussions, and observational sessions. Monthly events include astronomy-focused talks by experienced speakers, along with opportunities to ask questions and engage with more advanced observers. You will also gain access to observation sites where you can practice stargazing under darker skies. The program encourages learning through peer interaction, with a focus on building knowledge over time. Newcomer-focused sessions make it easier to understand foundational concepts before moving into more advanced topics.
9. Milwaukee Astronomical Society Events
Location: MAS Observatory, New Berlin, WI
Cost: $23 (youth membership)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Year-round events
Application deadline: None
Eligibility: Open to all
This astronomy society in Wisconsin provides high school students with access to a wide range of observational tools and facilities. As a member, you can use different types of telescopes and imaging equipment to observe objects ranging from planets to distant galaxies. Regular observing sessions allow you to develop practical skills in locating and tracking celestial objects. The program also offers you opportunities to learn astrophotography and contribute to observational projects.
10. Carthage College Space Sciences Program
Location: Carthage College, Kenosha, WI
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Year-round and summer opportunities
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students to college seniors
This space-focused program connects students in Wisconsin to research at the intersection of astronomy, physics, and engineering. You may work on designing and testing experiments intended for microgravity environments, including parabolic flights and suborbital missions. The process involves applying skills such as programming, CAD, and data analysis to real research problems. You may also engage with systems engineering practices, including project planning and testing procedures. Collaboration with external partners will introduce you to how space-related research is conducted beyond academic settings.
11. Badger Summer Scholars @ University of Wisconsin–Madison
Location: UW–Madison, Madison, WI
Cost: $4,450 (residential) | $2,600 (commuter); financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 19 – 31
Application deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students
This is a pre-college program for high school students interested in getting a head start on college academics and exploring a university campus. Through the program’s STEM tracks, you can engage with astronomy-related concepts within courses in physics, computing, and mathematical sciences. You will explore topics such as data analysis, modeling, and scientific problem-solving, which are directly applicable to astronomy programs. Coursework may include working with computational tools or examining real-world scientific applications of mathematical methods. The structure will also introduce you to how scientific disciplines intersect in research settings.
12. Events @ Blocher Planetarium
Location: Allen F. Blocher Planetarium, Stevens Point, WI
Cost: Free public shows (donations encouraged) | Group rentals: $35/show
Acceptance rate/cohort size: First-come, first-served; up to 55 people/show
Dates: Early September – mid-December; mid-January – late July (public shows run every Sunday, and summer evening shows run twice a week)
Application deadline: None
Eligibility: Open to the public; group bookings available for 8 or more people
The Allen F. Blocher Planetarium, which features a 7.3-meter dome with a Digistar Lite projector, conducts free astronomy shows open to the public. You can attend the shows weekly to explore topics like cosmic cycles, planetary systems, dark matter, telescopes, and the history of space exploration. During the summer, shows are held twice a week in the evenings from late May through late July. If you are part of a school group, scout troop, or other organization, you can also arrange a private group showing. The planetarium is operated by the UWSP Department of Physics and Astronomy and is also used as an instructional tool for university astronomy courses.
13. Stanford SPINWIP (Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – 24
Application deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 – 11
SPINWIP is a fully funded three-week online program focused on physics and related fields. You will attend lectures led by Stanford faculty members and researchers and learn about astrophysics, quantum physics, cosmology, and quantum computing. You will also gain experience in Python programming while working on physics projects. You will join small groups led by undergraduates to work on projects and problem-solving activities. The schedule additionally includes coding sessions, group discussions, research talks, and a final presentation. Workshops on preparing for college and STEM paths are also part of SPINWIP.
14. George Mason University Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP): Astronomy Track
Location: Virtual internships available for Wisconsin students
Cost: $25 application fee + $1,299 tuition; fee waivers available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Students who are at least 15 years old
ASSIP offers virtual research opportunities in various STEM areas, including astronomy. You can choose a mentor who is looking for remote interns to work on an astronomy-focused project. Over the course of eight weeks, you will work with your mentor, engaging in research activities and building scientific writing skills. During the program, you will also learn about career paths through discussions with researchers and STEM professionals. The program ends with a symposium, where you will learn about the research conducted at ASSIP during the summer. At the end of ASSIP, you will receive three college credits from George Mason University.
15. Rice University’s Space Exploration: The Road to Mars
Location: Online
Cost: $1,795; need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: Multiple course lengths available throughout the year
Application deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Students, ages 13 and up
This online course from Rice University covers the history, science, and future of space exploration, with an emphasis on the Moon and Mars. You will learn about the effects of living in space on the human body, rocket launches, and the tech behind Mars missions. The course includes about 20–30 hours of video lectures, multimedia activities, and assignments that you can complete at your own pace. You will work closely with a mentor, a Rice University student or graduate, who will offer feedback and guidance throughout the course. The experience concludes with a capstone project where you will design a mission to Mars. Upon completing the course, you will earn a certificate from Rice University.
One more option—Horizon Academic Research Program
If you are looking for a competitive mentored research program in astronomy, planetary science, or astrophysics, you can consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! It is a selective virtual research program that allows you to engage in advanced research and come up with a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1,000+ high school students so far, offering 600+ research specializations to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image Source – Rice University