If you’re a high school student with an interest in astronomy, summer programs offer a great chance to explore the universe in a hands-on way. Whether you’re fascinated by astrophysics, planetary science, or astrogeology, these programs provide an opportunity to learn directly from professionals and researchers in the field.
Through hands-on projects and real-world experiences, you’ll improve your understanding of space and gain useful skills. It’s a great way to learn more, connect with experts, and possibly develop a lasting interest in space science.
However, finding the right program can be tough, so we’ve compiled a list of 14 top astronomy programs for high school students in 2024-2025.
14 Astronomy Programs for High School Students
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)- Astronomy Track
Subject Areas: Psychology, physics, data science, machine learning, biophysics, environmental health and engineering, biotechnology, and more!
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort; February 16, 2025, for the spring cohort and May 18, 2025, for the summer cohort.
Dates: Spring seminar: March 3, 2025 onwards, Summer seminar: June 16, 2025 onwards
Apply at least 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum GPA of 3.67 on a 4.0 scale are eligible to apply. The majority of accepted students are in 10th or 11th grade. Some tracks have specific prerequisites, which you can check here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in fields such as physics, political theory, biomedical engineering, data science, chemistry, neuroscience, and psychology. You can choose between qualitative or quantitative research methods.
If you're passionate about astronomy, Horizon offers three research opportunities for you:
- ML in Astronomy: Simulation of CMB – Simulate the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) to explore the early universe and understand the radiation from the Big Bang.
- ML in Astronomy: Galaxy Spectra Analysis – Analyze galaxy spectra using data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) to learn about how galaxies form and change.
- ML in Astronomy: Exoplanet Light Curves – Study exoplanet light curves using Kepler data to learn about distant planetary systems and how they behave.
After selecting a subject and research method, you’ll be paired with a professor or PhD scholar from a reputable university, who will serve as a mentor throughout the program. By the end, you will produce a 20-page university-level research paper, which can be submitted to academic journals for potential publication. You will also receive a letter of recommendation and detailed feedback on your work, which can support future research endeavors and college applications. You can apply here!
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program- Astronomy Track
Subject Areas: Economics, psychology, gender studies, chemistry, engineering, business, physics, environmental science, data science, computer science, and more!
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort. The deadline for the upcoming winter cohort is December 29, 2024
Dates: The summer cohort runs from June to August, the fall from September to December, the winter from December to February, and the spring from March to June
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week research opportunity for high school students. As a participant, you’ll be paired with a Ph.D. mentor who will provide personalized guidance in developing independent research projects across a range of fields.
Astrophysics is a popular track, with nearly 400 students having participated in research projects in this field. Previous studies have explored the role of Dark Matter and Dark Energy in the evolution of the universe and examined factors that influence the habitability of celestial bodies in our solar system. Further details about the application process are available here.
Subject Areas: Physics, astronomy, math, computer programming, and astrophysics.
Location: The program includes a two-week online self-study phase, followed by a four-week residential experience at Yale's Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium in New Haven, CT. Participants stay in a dormitory located 0.8 miles from the planetarium.
Cost: The program costs $7,500, covering tuition, room and board, instructional materials, field trips, project expenses, and computer fees. Need-based financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: March 7, 2025
Dates: The six-week program usually takes place from June to August:
- Two weeks online: June 23 – July 4, 2025
- Four weeks in person: July 6 – August 3, 2025
Eligibility: High school students entering their senior year who are at least 15.5 years old by July 6, 2025
The Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics (YSPA) is a six-week program for 32 high school students interested in science, math, and astrophysics. Hosted at the Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium (LFOP), the program includes two parts: a two-week online self-study and a four-week residential experience. During the online portion, you will learn observational astronomy basics and Python programming to prepare for the on-campus phase.
The residential program includes classes on observational astronomy, telescope optics, spectroscopy, stellar astrophysics, CCD imaging, photometry, and stellar evolution. You will also gain hands-on experience in programming, data analysis, and using telescopes to collect data for research projects. At the program’s conclusion, you will present your findings in a scientific paper at the YSPA mini-conference. Past participant experiences can be found here.
Subject Areas: Space microbiology, astronomy, space science, ecology, robotics, engineering, aeronautics, technology, and outreach and communications.
Location: Interns may work remotely or on-site at one of NASA's 10 field centers, depending on the project.
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost to participate, and interns may receive a stipend based on their academic level and the session length.
Application Deadline: Summer 2025: February 28, 2025; Fall 2025: May 16, 2025
Dates: These internships are available in three sessions, with dates varying based on the opportunity:
- Fall: 16-week program, from late August or early September to mid-December
- Spring: 16-week program, from mid-January to early May
- Summer: 10-week program, from late May or early June to August
Eligibility: Full-time high school students who are U.S. citizens, at least 16 years old, and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers internship opportunities for high school and college students. These internships provide mentorship, training, and career development opportunities in fields such as science, engineering, IT, business, and more.
As an intern, you will work on a variety of projects, including astronomy, space science, engineering, robotics, and outreach. Responsibilities may include designing experiments, analyzing data, and assisting with technology development. You will also collaborate with researchers, monitor celestial bodies, contribute to mission preparations, and attend lectures from astronauts and astronomy experts. To explore options, you can filter available internships for high school students.
Subject Areas: Astrophysics, python coding, cosmology, quantum physics, and quantum computing
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: May 1, 2025 (tentative, based on the previous year’s program)
Dates: July 8 – 26, 2025 (tentative, based on the previous year’s program)
Eligibility: High school students who are female or gender minorities and currently in grades 9–11 are eligible. Priority will be given to first-generation students, rising seniors, and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in physics.
SPINWIP is a three-week program hosted by Stanford’s Physics Department and the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology, designed for high school girls interested in physics and coding.
The program covers quantum physics, light, optics, lasers, quantum computing, and cosmology topics like black holes, dark matter, and exoplanets. You’ll complete in-class worksheets and homework to strengthen your understanding of key ideas. Python coding is also included, teaching you Boolean logic, NumPy, and Matplotlib, and allowing you to apply coding to physics projects. You’ll also explore career opportunities in physics and astronomy. You can view the syllabus here.
Subject Areas: Neuroscience, psychology, engineering, immunology, chemistry, astronomy, earth science, molecular biology, and physics.
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost: The cost for a 2-week session is $6,500, along with a non-refundable application fee ranging from $75 to $90. Need-based financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: Early action: October 20, 2024; Regular decision: January 10, 2025
Dates:
- Session I: June 22 – July 4, 2025
- Session II: July 6 – July 18, 2025
- Session III: July 20 – August 1, 2025
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors who will be 16–18 years old by July 20, 2025, and are graduating in May/June 2026 or 2027, can apply. Only first-time participants in YYGS are eligible.
Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) is a summer program for high school students offering tracks in STEM, social sciences, humanities, and interdisciplinary studies. It includes classes, group projects, social events, and webinars on topics like college admissions, available live or as recordings. With an acceptance rate of 18-20%, it is competitive and adds value to your academic experience.
The “Innovations in Science & Technology (IST)” track is great for STEM enthusiasts. You explore topics like physics, biology, chemistry, engineering, and earth science. Astronomy lovers can attend a lecture by Marla Geha about Dwarf Galaxies, Dark Matter, and the Milky Way. This track links STEM subjects to real-world applications and challenges.
Subject Areas: Planetary science, high-energy-density physics, and Python programming.
Location: University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
Cost/Stipend: The program is free for all accepted participants, and students receive either a stipend or academic credit.
Application Deadline: For information on nomination deadlines, you can contact the CMAP program administrator at adriana.cabiedes@rochester.edu.
Dates: The internship usually lasts between 4 and 5 weeks in the summer, although the program dates may change yearly.
Eligibility: Applicants must be nominated by their high school teachers from the Pittsford Central School District or the Rochester City School District.
The University of Rochester’s CMAP program offers high school students a month-long summer internship focusing on Python, energy-density physics, and planetary science.
Throughout the internship, you will participate in experimental demonstrations and collaborate on research projects with graduate students from the Rochester physics and astronomy departments. In addition to working on research, you will tour the campus and the Laboratory for Laser Energetics. The program also offers support for college applications and provides information about various STEM career paths.
Subject Areas: Chemistry, physics, biomedical informatics, astronomy, engineering, medicine, ecology, math, computer science, atmospheric and marine sciences, geosciences, neurobiology, and pharmacological sciences.
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: The program does not charge tuition, but participants who opt for on-campus housing will need to pay $2,781.50 for accommodation and meals. A stipend is provided, though the amount is not specified.
Application Deadline: February 7, 2025
Dates: June 30 – August 8, 2025
Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 16 years old and are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Simons Summer Research Program offers high school juniors the chance to participate in a research project in STEM fields, including physics and astronomy. If you are interested in astronomy, the program provides opportunities in areas like geometric optics, simulations, machine learning, and quantum material research.
You can select your top three areas of interest or mentors, and after acceptance, you'll be paired with a mentor and assigned to a research group. Throughout the program, you'll learn research methods and work on a project. Weekly faculty research talks, workshops, tours, and special events are included. At the end, you’ll prepare a research abstract and poster to present at a final symposium. The program has a competitive 5% acceptance rate.
Subject Areas: Astronomy, research, and computer programming.
Cost: The official website does not mention any cost for this program.
Application Deadline: March 1 (tentative, based on the previous year’s program)
Dates: Session 1: June 24 – July 5 | Session 2: July 8 – July 19 (tentative, based on the previous year’s program)
Eligibility: Current high school juniors, seniors, recent high school graduates, community college students, and SDSU undergraduates in their first or second year who are located in the San Diego area are eligible to apply.
The San Diego State University Training Astronomy Research Scholars Program (STARS) is a four-week summer program for local high school students to participate in astronomy research. You will gain hands-on experience in programming computers and instruments, taking part in the scientific process, and using advanced telescopes at Mount Laguna Observatory.
At the end of the program, you will have the opportunity to present your research findings. You will get to work with faculty and students from SDSU’s Department of Astronomy on projects related to binary star systems, galaxy formation, and supernovae. You’ll work in small groups of 3-4 and occasionally participate in evening observing trips.
Subject Areas: Physical sciences, astronomy, physics
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: $8,900 (Residential) | $5,850 (Commuter). Need-based financial aid is available for the 3-week Immersion program, ranging from $500 to $6,600.
Application Deadline: Priority: January 22, 2025; Regular deadline: March 5, 2025; Extended deadline: April 9, 2025
Dates: Session 1: June 14 – July 4, 2025; Session 2: July 7 – July 26, 2025
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors at least 14 years old
The University of Chicago’s Pre-College Summer Immersion Program allows high school students to take undergraduate-level courses. You will study your chosen topic in depth, learning from faculty, researchers, and professionals through workshops, research projects, and hands-on activities. Courses are available in a variety of fields, including astronomy, creative writing, biology, film, psychology, economics, physics, law, and more.
For those interested in astronomy, the "Physics of Stars: An Introduction" course is a solid option that explores the principles behind stars and their structure. You will learn about gravity, pressure, radiation, and how radiation interacts with matter, applying these concepts to study stars. Using robotic telescopes, you will gather data on stellar properties like temperature and brightness, then analyze these images and other astronomical data using Python programming. No prior coding experience is needed, as the basics of Python will be taught before the course begins.
Subject Areas: Astronomy, research, data analysis, and career preparation.
Location: Monterey Institute for Research in Astronomy, Marina, CA
Cost: The Summer Internship Program has a $2,000 fee, but scholarships are available. Monterey County, CA residents can participate at no cost.
Application Deadline: The deadline is April 1, 2025, but early submission is highly encouraged.
Dates: The program runs for 10 weeks, usually from mid-June to early August.
Eligibility: High school and college students with an interest in astronomy and astrophysics
The Monterey Institute for Research in Astronomy (MIRA) offers a summer internship program for high school and college students to work on current research topics such as star formation, gravitational lenses, earth-threatening asteroids, comets, unusual stellar atmospheres, and stellar flares.
The program offers a 1:1 student-to-mentor ratio which will allow you to work directly with a professional astronomer every day. Activities include data analysis, observing celestial objects at the Oliver Observing Station, designing and building research instruments, and preparing telescopes for nighttime observations. Past participants have contributed to discovering T Tauri stars in the Pelican Nebula, observed explosive stars, and identified new comet trails using NASA infrared data. You will develop essential astronomy skills, gain specialized knowledge, and refine your ability to use advanced equipment.
Subject Areas: Astronomy, extrasolar planetary systems, cosmology, and black holes.
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost:
- NYC Residential Summer: $12,750 per session (3 weeks)
- NYC Commuter Summer: $6,300 per session (3 weeks) | $2,825 per session (1 week)
- An $80 application fee is required, along with varying course-specific fees. Students should also budget at least $50 for course materials, including textbooks and supplies.
- Need-based scholarships are available for NYC residents enrolled in the 3-week NYC Commuter Summer Academic Enrichment program.
Application Deadline: Early Registration - February 2, 2025; General - March 2, 2025 (residential), April 2, 2025 (commuter).
Dates: Session A: June 30 – July 18, 2025 (3 weeks), Session B: July 22 – August 8, 2025 (3 weeks), Session C: August 11 – August 15, 2025 (1 week).
Eligibility: Domestic and international students entering grades 9–12 in the fall, as well as current 12th graders, are eligible to apply. Note that the NYC Residential Summer program requires students to be at least 16 years old by the program's start date.
Columbia University’s Pre-College Summer Programs offer high school students the chance to take college-level courses in over 70 subjects. If you are interested in astronomy, the “Astronomy and Astrophysics” course will help you explore the universe from ancient astronomy to modern topics like extrasolar planets, cosmology, and black holes.
The curriculum covers Newton’s laws of motion, universal gravitation, Kepler’s laws, orbital dynamics, and space travel. You will also learn about the nature of light, matter, and nuclear physics, and their applications to studying the sun, the solar system, galaxies, the creation of chemical elements, and the universe's expansion.
Subject Areas: Astronomy, research, data analysis, observational astronomy, statistical analysis, and communication.
Location: The program is primarily virtual, with optional in-person sessions at George Mason University's Fairfax Campus, VA.
Cost/Stipend: The website does not list program fees, but students can contact execed@gmu.edu for details.
Application Deadline: Seats are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Dates: June 15 – August 16 (tentatively)
Eligibility: All high school students can apply.
The Young Scholars NASA Data Science Program lets you work with NASA space data and conduct research. It includes lectures, virtual telescope observations, and a five-week research period. You’ll attend live meetings, complete study sessions, and receive mentorship to write a professional research paper. You will work on astronomy projects involving NASA mission data analysis, observational astronomy, statistical analysis, and the impact of the private space industry on space policy.
The program uses NASA mission tools and data, with completed research papers published on George Mason University's Schar School Young Scholars Journals web page. The program concludes with a research paper presentation in August, available in a hybrid format.
Subject Areas: Astrophysics research
Location: The program is available virtually or in person at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) in Cambridge, MA.
Cost/Stipend: The program is free of cost, and participants receive a stipend funded by the City of Cambridge.
Application Deadline: Applications for the 2024-2025 SRMP cohort are closed but are expected to open in May 2025 for the 2025-2026 SRMP cohort.
Dates: The program runs from September to May, with weekly meetings.
Eligibility: Students from Cambridge Rindge and Latin School in grades 9–12 are eligible to apply.
The Harvard-Smithsonian Science Research Mentoring Program offers high school students the chance to participate in a year-long astrophysics project with scientists from Harvard or the Smithsonian Center. Each year, 10–16 students are selected and grouped into 5–8 teams to work together on research projects.
Throughout the program, you will attend monthly workshops and lectures to expand your knowledge and skills. You will also have monthly advisory sessions with the SRMP team to discuss your progress. At the end of the program, you can present your research findings at a symposium through posters and presentations. This program provides a valuable opportunity to experience real research and collaborate with scientists from various backgrounds.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.