If you’re fascinated by the cosmos and want to explore astronomy or space science before college, you don’t have to wait. There are numerous programs designed specifically for teens, offering immersive experiences in everything from astrophysics to planetary science.
Whether you dream of using a telescope, analyzing real NASA data, or working alongside professional astronomers, these programs let you dive deep into the universe. Here are 10 astronomy and space science opportunities for teens that provide hands-on projects, expert mentorship, and a chance to connect with peers who share your passion for space.
1. The Summer Science Program (SSP) in Astrophysics
Location: Georgia College & State University, New Mexico State University, UNC Chapel Hill, University of Colorado Boulder, Colby College, Knox College
Program Dates: Varies, check program website for individual dates
Eligibility: Open to current high school juniors (ages 15–18) who will have completed or be enrolled in physics and precalculus (or calculus if physics isn’t offered) by June
Cost: $8,400, Financial aid is available
Deadline: International applications: January 24, 2025, domestic applications: February 21, 2025
Juniors in high school collaborate to carry out authentic astronomical research during the five-week residential Summer Science Program (SSP) in Astrophysics. Students observe near-Earth asteroids with professional telescopes, evaluate the data, and use Python programming to determine the asteroid orbits. In a cooperative setting, the program offers practical experience with scientific programming, data analysis, and research techniques.
2. NASA Space Camp’s Advanced Space Academy
Location: U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville, Alabama
Program Dates: Multiple sessions available throughout the summer (check the official website for specific dates)
Eligibility: For students ages 15–18
Cost: Starts from $1,999
Deadline: Not specified; applications are accepted until sessions fill (early registration recommended)
Experience the world of space science at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center's Advanced Space Academy. Through teamwork, engineering challenges, and astronaut training, this week-long immersive program prepares teenagers for college and STEM careers. Students build and launch rockets, go through a simulated Mars mission, and experience astronaut simulators. In order to simulate actual astronaut preparation, the program even provides neutral buoyancy training based on SCUBA.
3. Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics
Location: Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium at Yale University
Program Dates: June 26 – August 6, 2 weeks of self-study, 4-week residential program
Eligibility: Open only to rising seniors who are 15.5 years or older by July 9, 2025
Cost: $6,900. Limited, need-based financial aid available, usually ranging from 50-80%
Deadline: March 13, 2025
Research, practical exercises, and a taste of college life are all combined in the immersive YSPA program. Along with 36 other students, you will take part in lectures, use the Leitner Observatory's telescopes, and do data analysis in the computer lab. Observational astronomy, spectroscopy, telescope optics, and other related topics are covered in the coursework. You will work on a research project in groups of four that will result in a formal presentation and a scientific paper.
4. Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) – Harvard-Smithsonian CfA
Location: Center for Astrophysics, Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA), Cambridge, MA.
Program Dates: September to May
Eligibility: Open exclusively to students enrolled at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School (CRLS), grades 9–12
Cost: Free of cost
Deadline: May 10, 2025
Every year, 10–16 students from CRLS are chosen by the SRMP and placed in small teams, typically consisting of two to three students per mentor, to work with astrophysicists at the Center for Astrophysics. Students work on autonomous, state-of-the-art astrophysics research projects all year long, obtaining real-world experience and understanding the work of professional scientists. Weekly meetings, monthly advisory sessions, workshops, and lectures are all part of the program. The program concludes with students presenting their research at Harvard.
5. Young Scholars NASA Data Science Program
Location: Virtual, with a one-week in-person research lab at George Mason University (Fairfax, VA)
Program Dates: Typically mid-June to early August
Eligibility: Open to high school students in grades 9–12
Cost: Varies, check the program website to get current fee structure
Deadline: Rolling admissions
George Mason University's Young Scholars NASA Data Science Program enables high school students to use NASA space data to carry out authentic research. Students work in groups with faculty mentors for six weeks, concentrating on space research and analyzing astronomy data. The program teaches data visualization and statistical analysis skills through a combination of virtual instruction and a one-week in-person research lab. Each participant receives invaluable experience in scientific communication, teamwork, and mentoring as they write a research paper and present their findings at a final conference.
6. NASA High School Aerospace Scholars
Location: Houston, TX
Program Dates: Varies for online and residential program, check website for current dates
Eligibility: High school junior from Texas, US
Cost: Free
Deadline: October 19, 2025
NASA’s High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) is a year-long STEM program for Texas high school juniors. Students finish a five-month online course that includes interactive lessons and design challenges and covers space exploration, aeronautics, and NASA's missions. High achievers are invited to participate in a five-day gamified virtual summer program where they will plan a mission to the Moon or Mars in teams under the guidance of NASA scientists and engineers. The best teams from the virtual experience are chosen to participate in a four-day, fully funded residential program at NASA's Johnson Space Center, which includes facility tours, practical engineering projects, and additional mentoring.
7. Experimental Physics Research Academy
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Program Dates: July 5 – July 26
Eligibility: High school students (typically entering grades 10–12), minimum GPA 3.3
Cost: $5,500
Deadline: February 15, 2025
UPenn offers a three-week residential program for high school students who are passionate about physics called the Experimental Physics Research Academy. Through lectures, practical exercises, and projects, the curriculum covers fundamental subjects like astrophysics, quantum dynamics, electromagnetism, and mechanics. In addition, the program offers opportunities to study experimental design, talks on the philosophy and ethics of science, and research presentations by Penn faculty. Students receive a thorough introduction to advanced physics and university-level research through group projects and presentations at the end.
8. Research Science Institute
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts
Program Dates: June 22 – August 2
Eligibility: High school juniors (rising seniors)
Cost: Free
Deadline: January 16, 2025
In MIT's esteemed six-week summer program, the Research Science Institute (RSI), high school students carry out original research in mathematics, science, or engineering. In addition to working with MIT researchers and attending lectures, participants also finish an independent research project that they present at the end of the program.
9. Physics of Atomic Nuclei
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Program Dates: July 20 – July 25
Eligibility: Current U.S. high school students
Cost: Free
Deadline: Early March 2025
Through practical experiments, lectures, and lab tours, Michigan State University's Physics of Atomic Nuclei (PAN) program introduces high school students to nuclear physics and astrophysics. While working on projects like nuclear fragmentation simulations or neutron capture modeling, students investigate subjects like radiation detection, cosmic element formation, and rare isotopes. The week ends with students presenting their research. Additionally, the program provides networking opportunities with scientists and information about nuclear science careers.
10. Introduction to Astronomy
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Program Dates: Varies, typically runs during summer
Eligibility: High school students
Cost: $6,722
Deadline: March 1, 2025
High school students with a passion for space can explore the cosmos through this course. The curriculum provides an approachable overview of important astronomical subjects, such as the solar system, stars, galaxies, and the wider universe. Through computer lab exercises and the use of tiny telescopes, students also gain practical experience. Participants gain a greater understanding of the fascinating and dynamic field of astronomy by the end of the course.
If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Global Education offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world.
Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE Global’s official website and take your college preparation to the next level!