If you’re fascinated by the night sky and want to learn more about the universe beyond what you study in school, astronomy programs can be a great way to deepen your interest. These opportunities allow high school students to explore space science through telescope observations, astronomy workshops, research projects, data analysis, and interactions with scientists and educators. Along the way, you’ll build valuable research, analytical and problem-solving skills and gain exposure to exciting fields such as astrophysics, planetary science, and space exploration. Participating in astronomy programs can also strengthen your academic profile and help you discover potential STEM career options. With a variety of options available, choosing the right program can be challenging. To help narrow your search, we’ve compiled a list of 15 astronomy programs for high school students in Texas.
Why should you choose a program in Texas?
Texas is home to universities, observatories, research centers, and space-related organizations that offer a wide range of astronomy learning opportunities for high school students. Many programs in Texas provide access to telescope observations, STEM workshops, mentorship, and hands-on research experiences that bring astronomy to life. Whether you are interested in studying distant galaxies, exploring planets or learning about the future of space space exploration, these programs can help you learn directly from experts in the field, while building scientific skills that can support your future academic and career goals.
Key Takeaways
- 15 astronomy programs in Texas range from free NASA affiliated experiences like High School Aerospace Scholars and the SEES Summer Intern Program, to paid immersive camps at Space Center Houston, to free self-paced online courses through the University of Arizona and Coursera.
- Several programs give students access to real research data and observational tools. The Pulsar Science Collaboratory has students analyze real radio astronomy data to search for pulsars, and NASA and UT Austin’s SEES program includes projects in exoplanet detection and galaxy classification using actual mission data.
- Space Center Houston hosts multiple short, themed Space U camps throughout the year, including Martian Expedition, Planetary Discovery, Science in Space, Living and Working in Space, and Journey to Space, each running just a few days and focusing on a different aspect of space exploration.
- Cost varies enormously across this list, from free options like NASA HAS, the Pulsar Science Collaboratory, and the University of Arizona’s Coursera courses, up to Space U’s Martian Expedition at $679.95 to $779.95 and Rice University’s Road to Mars program at $1,795.
- Location restricted programs are common among the most selective research opportunities. NASA High School Aerospace Scholars is limited to Texas resident juniors, and the Harvard-Smithsonian Science Research Mentoring Program is limited to students attending Cambridge Rindge and Latin School.
- Several fully virtual, self-paced courses make astronomy accessible without cost or geographic restriction. Astronomy: Exploring Time and Space, Knowing the Universe, and Confronting the Big Questions are all free and open to any high school student with an interest in the subject.
- Astronomy programs are a strong way to build observational and research skills, but they are not the only path for a student interested in independent research in other fields. Those who want to pursue a research project outside astronomy might consider Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs, a mentored virtual research program with 600+ specializations across subjects like data science, political theory, and machine learning.
1. NASA High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS)
Location: Virtual / Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: TBD
Dates: This is a year-long program. Exact dates are TBA
Eligibility: High school juniors who are Texas residents
The NASA High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) program is a year-long STEM experience that focuses on aerospace and space exploration, while incorporating concepts from astronomy. You begin with an online curriculum covering coding, engineering design, and mission planning in the context of space environments. You explore destinations such as Mars and Europa, connecting planetary science concepts to broader astronomy topics. You participate in team-based challenges to design crewed space missions and engage with NASA scientists and engineers through mentorship opportunities and webinars. You may also advance to virtual and in-person experiences that extend your exposure to space science applications and its real-world applications.
2. NASA and UT Austin’s STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Summer High School Intern Program
Location: The University of Texas at Austin, Center for Space Research, Austin, TX + Virtual components
Cost: None
Application Deadline: February 22
Dates: Distance learning modules: May 15 – July 1 | On-site internship: July 5 – 18 | Virtual symposium: July 20 – 21
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors; 16+ by July 5
NASA and UT Austin’s STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Summer Intern Program is a research-focused experience spanning multiple STEM disciplines, including astronomy and planetary science. You work with real NASA mission data alongside scientists and researchers, gaining firsthand exposure to the research process. The program includes projects in areas such as exoplanet detection, galaxy classification, and stellar cluster analysis, providing direct connections to astronomy. You also explore planetary geology and space-based observations of Earth. Throughout the program, you’ll develop skills in data analysis, modeling and scientific communication, while participating in collaborative research that reflects real-world scientific workflows.
3. Research Apprentices Program
Location: Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX
Cost: Not mentioned
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: Not specified
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors and seniors
The Research Apprentices Program offers high school students the opportunity to engage in hands-on scientific research across multiple disciplines, including astronomy and physics. You work in a university lab setting alongside research teams and gain experience using modern scientific equipment. You participate in projects that may involve observational astronomy, nanomaterials, or biophysics. Throughout the program, you’ll gain experience preparing experiments, analyzing data, and contributing to research papers. You also develop skills in scientific communication through presentations and discussions of your work. Depending on the project, you may contribute to publishable research and present findings at competitions or conferences.
4. George Mason’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Virtual/ George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost: $1,299 + $25 application fee
Application deadline: February 15
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Eligibility: Students who are 15 years or older by June 18 (for remote internships)
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) is a research-focused program that includes astronomy among its many areas of study. As a participant, you’ll collaborate with faculty researchers on projects that use advanced tools and datasets, gaining firsthand experience in the research process. In astronomy-related projects, you might explore topics such as exoplanets, planetary science, and space weather, developing insights into current scientific investigations. Throughout the experience, you’ll develop skills in scientific research methods and data analysis while working on real-world projects. You’ll also enhance your communication skills through technical writing and presentations. Depending on your research, you might have the opportunities to present your findings at conferences or contribute to scientific publications.
5. Space Center U – Martian Expedition
Location: Space Centre Houston, Houston, TX
Cost: $679.95 – $779.95
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: Multiple sessions running between May – August
Eligibility: Students ages 15-18
The Martian Expedition program focuses on space exploration and aerospace engineering, while incorporating concepts from astronomy through the study of planetary science. You’ll take part in hands-on activities such as building rockets and analyzing flight performance, gaining hands-on experience in aerospace principles. By exploring Mars as a potential destination for human exploration, you’ll gain insights into planetary science and the study of celestial bodies. You’ll design habitats addressing life-support systems such as air, water, and energy. In addition, you’ll build and code robotic rovers to navigate simulated Martian terrain and participate in astronaut training simulations that mirror real space mission environments.
6. Space U: Planetary Discovery
Location: Space Centre Houston, Houston, TX
Cost: Not specified
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: October 9 – 11
Eligibility: Ages 15-18
The Planetary Discovery program introduces high school students to planetary science through hands-on activities that connect directly to astronomy. During the program, you’ll explore how scientists study other worlds using techniques such as spectroscopy and geological analysis. The program includes opportunities to work with lunar rock samples and classify them using real scientific criteria, providing insights into planetary research methods. You’ll also take part in virtual reality challenges based on Martian surface exploration, design robotic tools for collecting rock samples and code drones inspired by planetary missions. Through these activities, the program connects astronomy to the exploration of planets and moons, while providing insights into the tools and techniques used in modern space science.
7. Space U: Science In Space
Location: Space Centre Houston, Houston, TX
Cost: Not specified
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: March 28 – 30
Eligibility: Ages 15-18
The Science in Space program explores space science through hands-on experiments connected to planetary exploration and human spaceflight. You’ll work with lunar rock samples and classify them using scientific methods, helping you connect planetary science concepts to astronomy. The program also introduces concepts such as buoyancy, fluid behavior, and electrolysis in space environments, providing insights into the challenges of conducting science beyond earth. You’ll build and code sensors to collect atmospheric data, while investigating lunar soil properties and microbial growth. Through these activities, the program provides practical exposure to the scientific principles and technologies that support space exploration and research.
8. Space U: Living and Working in Space
Location: Space Centre Houston, Houston, TX
Cost: Not specified
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: April 3 – 6
Eligibility: Ages 15-18
The Living and Working in Space program provides hands-on experience in how astronauts prepare for life beyond Earth. You’ll design a lunar habitat, connecting the program to astronomy through lunar exploration and planetary science. You’ll study electrolysis as part of creating sustainable systems for long-distance space travel, and participate in International Space Station simulations using virtual reality tools. The program also includes activities involving robotics, lunar soil experiments and blood typing activities, exposing you to the scientific and technical challenges of living in space. Through these experiences, the program connects astronomy with life sciences and engineering while highlighting the inter-disciplinary nature of space exploration.
9. Space U: Journey to Space
Location: Space Centre Houston, Houston, TX
Cost: Not specified
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: September 19 – 21
Eligibility: Ages 15-18
The Journey to Space program introduces high school students to aerospace engineering, while highlighting its connections to astronomy and space exploration. As a participant, you’ll develop heat shields and cryogenic capsules to understand how spacecrafts survive extreme temperatures during missions. The program also includes building model rockets and testing safe landing systems for returning payloads, providing hands-on experience with key aerospace concepts. You’ll assemble and code Microbit sensors for atmospheric observations and design landing capsules for simulated space missions.
10. Space Exploration: The Road to Mars, RICE University
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,795
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the session you apply for
Dates: Multi-length courses available throughout the year
Eligibility: For students ages 13 and up
The Space Exploration: The Road to Mars program examines the science, technology, and history behind modern space exploration, making it directly relevant to astronomy and planetary science. In this program, you’ll explore major milestones in space travel and learn how commercial organizations are shaping the future of space missions. The program also examines why the Moon plays an important role in deep-space exploration and future journeys to Mars. You’ll examine the effects of space environments on the human body and explore the challenges associated with long-duration missions. Through discussions of mission design, Mars exploration, and careers in the space sector, the program provides a broad understanding of the scientific and technological foundations of modern space exploration.
11. Harvard-Smithsonian Science Research Mentoring Program
Location: Virtual or in person at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) in Cambridge, MA
Stipend: Stipend provided (courtesy of the City of Cambridge)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: September – May
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12 attending Cambridge Rindge and Latin School
Harvard’s SRMP is a year-long research experience that gives high school students the opportunity to work on authentic astrophysics projects under the guidance of scientists from the Smithsonian. You’ll collaborate in small research teams, developing skills in data analysis, scientific communication, and research writing, while contributing to ongoing investigations. Through regular mentor-led meetings, you’ll build a deep understanding of the research process while strengthening your critical thinking and presentation abilities. The program also provides insight into the day-to-day work of professional researchers, and culminates in a symposium where students present their findings to fellow students, mentors and experts.
12. Pulsar Science Collaboratory (PSC)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: Year-round participation
Eligibility: Students of ages 13 and up
The Pulsar Science Collaboratory gives high school students the opportunity to participate in authentic astronomy research. After completing training, you will analyze real radio astronomy data from major observatories to search for potential pulsars. You will understand how astronomers detect, classify, and verify these objects while working with datasets used in professional research. The program provides hands-on experience with the methods and tools used in modern astronomy and helps you develop skills in data analysis and scientific investigation. You’ll also engage with the broader scientific community, discuss your findings, and contribute to the evaluation of pulsar candidates in a collaborative, research-focused environment.
13. Astronomy: Exploring Time and Space | University of Arizona and Coursera
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: Self-paced learning
Eligibility: High school students can apply
The Astronomy: Exploring Time and Space course introduces high school students to modern astronomy while remaining accessible to those with little or no prior science background. In this program, you’ll explore major astronomical discoveries and learn how scientists use evidence, observations, and technology to study the universe. The course covers a wide range of topics such as telescopes, the electromagnetic spectrum, planets, exoplanets, stars, black holes, galaxies, dark matter, and the Big Bang. You’ll also examine space exploration, the search for habitable worlds, and the possibility of life beyond Earth. Through these topics, the course provides a broad introduction to the concepts, discoveries and methods that shape our understanding of the universe.
14. Knowing the Universe: History and Philosophy of Astronomy | University of Arizona and Coursera
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: 3 weeks starting May 30
Eligibility: High school students can apply
The Knowing the Universe: History and Philosophy of Astronomy course explores how humanity’s understanding of the universe has evolved over time. In this program, you’ll examine the development of astronomy from ancient civilizations and early calendar systems to the scientific breakthroughs of figures such as Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton. The course also covers major advances in modern physics that transformed scientific ideas about space, time, matter, and energy. In addition, you’ll learn how modern cosmology explains the origins and structure of the universe, including galaxies, the Big Bang, and cosmic evolution.
15. Confronting The Big Questions: Highlights of Modern Astronomy
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: 1 week starting May 30
Eligibility: High school students can apply
The Confronting the Big Questions: Highlights of Modern Astronomy course explores some of the most significant topics in contemporary astronomy and astrophysics. In this program, you’ll examine the search for exoplanets, the possibility of life beyond Earth, and key concepts in astrobiology. The course also covers stellar evolution, including star formation, nuclear fusion, black holes, and the life cycles of stars. You learn about different types of galaxies, active galactic nuclei, and the large-scale structure of the universe. The final section focuses on cosmology, exploring the Big Bang, the history of the universe, and ongoing questions about its origins, evolution and ultimate fate. Through these topics, the course provides a broad overview of current scientific understanding and some of the biggest unanswered questions in astronomy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these programs are free to participate in?
NASA High School Aerospace Scholars, NASA and UT Austin’s SEES program, the Pulsar Science Collaboratory, and the three University of Arizona and Coursera courses are all free. The Harvard-Smithsonian Science Research Mentoring Program is also free and provides a stipend, though it is limited to a specific school.
Do I need to live in Texas to apply to these programs?
Some do require Texas residency, including NASA High School Aerospace Scholars, which is limited to Texas resident juniors. Others, like the fully virtual Coursera courses and the Pulsar Science Collaboratory, are open to students regardless of location.
Which programs give access to real astronomical or space mission data?
The Pulsar Science Collaboratory has students analyze real radio astronomy data from major observatories, and NASA and UT Austin’s SEES program has students work with real NASA mission data on projects like exoplanet detection and stellar cluster analysis.
How do the Space U camps at Space Center Houston differ from one another?
Each Space U camp focuses on a different theme over a short multi-day session. Martian Expedition centers on rocketry and rover design, Planetary Discovery focuses on lunar rock classification and spectroscopy, Science in Space covers experiments like electrolysis and atmospheric sensors, Living and Working in Space focuses on habitat design, and Journey to Space centers on heat shields and landing systems.
What if I am interested in research outside of astronomy or space science?
These programs are focused specifically on astronomy, planetary science, and aerospace, but students looking for a research based credential in a different subject area might consider Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs, a selective virtual research program that pairs students with a mentor to develop an original research paper across subjects like data science, political theory, and machine learning.
Image source: The University of Texas at Austin