Are you fascinated by space travel, planetary exploration, and the vast mysteries of the cosmos? If so, space exploration might be the perfect field for you to explore. While traditional high school curricula may not always offer in-depth space-related studies, specialized programs and internships can provide hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the science and technology behind space exploration.

To help you take your passion to the next level, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 space exploration opportunities for high school students. These programs offer unique experiences, from NASA internships to immersive space camps and research initiatives, allowing you to dive deeper and engage with real-world space exploration.

Note: The following opportunities are based on the most recent programs available. Dates and application deadlines may vary, so be sure to check official program websites for updates.

1. NASA OSTEM Internship Programs

Cost: The majority of interns receive a stipend award, but there are some volunteer opportunities noted in project descriptions.

Location: Various NASA centers & virtual options available

Application Deadline: Late February

Program Dates: Summer and year-round opportunities available

Eligibility: U.S. high school students (age and grade requirements vary by internship); competitive selection based on academic performance, STEM interest, and recommendations

Prize: Certificate of completion; potential stipend

Cohort Size: Varies by internship and NASA center

NASA OSTEM Internship Programs provide ambitious students with the opportunity to gain practical work experience while working side-by-side with mentors who are research scientists, engineers, and individuals from many other professions. These internships, offered both in-person and virtually, full-time and part-time, allow participants to gain hands-on experience in fields such as space exploration, robotics, planetary science, and aeronautics. Depending on the internship, interns engage in a variety of activities, including analyzing satellite data, designing experiments, programming autonomous systems, and contributing to NASA missions. Guided by expert mentors, students develop technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and an understanding of how cutting-edge space research is conducted. Beyond technical training, the program fosters collaboration and professional development, connecting students with like-minded peers and industry professionals. Whether aspiring to be astronauts, engineers, or astrophysicists, participants gain invaluable insights into space careers and the future of space exploration.

2. Summer Science Program (SSP)

Cost: Approximately $8,800 (financial aid available)

Location: New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, and University of Colorado Boulder

Application Deadline: Late February to early March

Program Dates: Late June to early August

Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (rising seniors preferred)

Prize: Completion certificate; research experience

Cohort Size: Around 36 students per site

The Summer Science Program (SSP) immerses high school students in an intensive 39-day astrophysics experience. Participants collaborate on a research project to calculate a near-Earth steroid's orbit using their own observations, combining hands-on astronomical research, nightly telescope use, and coding for data analysis to explore celestial mechanics. Beyond research, SSP features guest lectures, field trips to observatories and labs, and mentorship from professional astronomers and astrophysicists. Living on campus fosters a close-knit community, encouraging collaboration, critical thinking, and lasting friendships. SSP not only deepens students' understanding of astronomy but also inspires future STEM careers.

3. NASA High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS)

Cost: Free; stipends and housing assistance provided

Location: Online coursework + On-site experience at NASA’s Johnson Space Center (for selected students)

Application Deadline: August-Early October

Program Dates: Online course runs from November to February; on-site experience takes place in the summer in June/July

Eligibility: Texas U.S. resident; high school juniors; strong academic background in STEM preferred

Prize: Certificate of completion; unique research and project experience

Cohort Size: Approximately 270 students selected for the summer experience

NASA’s High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) program is an interactive learning experience that introduces high school juniors to space exploration, engineering, and NASA missions. Participants begin with an online STEM curriculum that covers topics such as space exploration, Earth science, technology, and aeronautics. The highest achieving students will receive an invitation to a five-day virtual summer experience (Moonshot) mentored by NASA scientists and engineers. The top-performing teams from Moonshot will be invited to an all-expense paid residential experience at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. During the on-site portion, students will collaborate in teams on an Artemis-themed Moon and Mars mission, guided by NASA scientists and engineers through research, design challenges, and a preliminary design review. This program is ideal for students passionate about pursuing STEM careers and learning directly from NASA professionals.

4. NASA STEM Enhancement in Earth and Space Science (SEES) Internship

Cost: Free

Location: Hybrid (Online coursework + In-person internship at the University of Texas, Austin)

Application Deadline: February

Program Dates: Summer (June–July)

Eligibility: U.S. high school sophomores and juniors/rising juniors and seniors (must be at least 16 years old); selection based on academic performance and interest in Earth and space sciences

Prize: Certificate of completion; research experience with NASA scientists

Cohort Size: Around 60 students per year

The NASA SEES Internship offers high school students a chance to participate in cutting-edge research in Earth and space science. The internship immerses high school students in advanced Earth and space science research through a hybrid format. It begins with online coursework on topics like remote sensing, climate science, and planetary exploration, followed by remote project work with expert mentors. Selected students then attend a two-week research experience at the University of Texas at Austin, guided by professors and graduate students. The program concludes with interns presenting their findings at the Virtual SEES Science Symposium.

5. Science Camps of America Overnight Summer Camp (Air and Space)

Cost: Approximately $2,800 (financial aid available)

Location: Pahala, Hawaiʻi Island

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; early registration recommended

Program Dates: Two weeks in early July

Eligibility: Ages 13-17 and entering grades 8-12 at the start of camp; worldwide

Prize: Certificate of completion; hands-on field experience in astronomy and space science

Cohort Size: Small group setting for personalized learning

Science Camps of America’s Air and Space Camp is a unique, immersive experience where students explore astronomy, planetary science, and aviation in one of the best stargazing locations on Earth—Hawaii. This two-week overnight camp offers hands-on learning through field trips to observatories, volcanic landscapes, and aerospace facilities. Campers engage in activities such as night-sky observations using professional telescopes, rocketry experiments, and drone piloting. They also learn about planetary geology by studying Hawaii’s volcanic terrain, which closely resembles Martian and lunar surfaces. Through interactive workshops, guest lectures from scientists, and outdoor adventures, students gain a deeper understanding of space science and exploration. This camp is ideal for students passionate about astronomy, planetary science, and aviation, offering a rare opportunity to learn from experts while experiencing Hawaii’s breathtaking natural wonders.

6. Space Center University–Specialized Space U Program

Cost: Approximately $700

Location: Space Center Houston, Texas

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions

Program Dates: Multiple sessions throughout the year

Eligibility: High school students worldwide (ages 15-18)

Prize: Certificate of completion; hands-on astronaut training experience

Cohort Size: Varies per session

Space Center University is an immersive, five-day program that provides students with hands-on astronaut training and space exploration activities. Hosted by Space Center Houston, the program includes simulations, engineering challenges, and workshops led by space professionals. Participants engage in activities such as building and launching rockets, operating robotic systems, and training in microgravity simulations. They also tour NASA’s Johnson Space Center, gaining an inside look at mission control and astronaut preparation facilities. The program encourages teamwork and problem-solving while exposing students to potential careers in space exploration and STEM fields.

7. Advanced Space Academy at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Cost: Approximately $2,000

Location: U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville, Alabama

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; early registration recommended

Program Dates: Multiple sessions from May-August

Eligibility: High school students (ages 15-18) worldwide

Prize: Certificate of completion; hands-on astronaut and space mission training

Cohort Size: Varies per session

The Advanced Space Academy at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center is an intensive, immersive program designed for high school students who are serious about space exploration and STEM careers. This weeklong experience provides advanced astronaut training, engineering challenges, and real-world aerospace simulations. Participants engage in a variety of hands-on activities, including microgravity simulations, underwater astronaut training, and high-G flight simulators. They also design and execute their own space missions, operate robotic systems, and experience a simulated Mars colony. The program fosters leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while exposing students to real aerospace career pathways. With expert guidance from aerospace professionals and former astronauts, students gain firsthand insight into space travel, mission control operations, and the latest advancements in space technology. This program is perfect for aspiring astronauts, engineers, and space enthusiasts eager to take their passion to the next level.

8. International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC)

Cost: Free (regional competitions); travel costs may apply for international finals

Location: Regional competitions held worldwide; international finals at NASA’s Kennedy Space

Center: Florida

Application Deadline: Varies by region (typically early spring)

Program Dates: Regional competitions throughout the year; international finals in July

Eligibility: High school students worldwide (ages 15-18); team-based competition

Prize: Winning team earns recognition and networking opportunities with aerospace professionals

Cohort Size: Varies by regional and final competition

The International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC) is a prestigious, team-based challenge where high school students act as aerospace industry professionals to design a fully functional space settlement. Competing teams must develop a proposal that addresses engineering, economic, and social aspects of building a space colony, mirroring real-world space industry challenges. Regional competitions are held worldwide, and winning teams advance to the international finals at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. There, students collaborate with aerospace engineers, industry leaders, and NASA experts to refine and present their proposals. The competition tests creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and technical knowledge in space exploration. ISSDC is an excellent opportunity for students interested in aerospace engineering, astrophysics, and space policy. It provides hands-on experience in designing the future of space habitation while connecting participants with top professionals in the field.

9. NASA TechRise Student Challenge

Cost: Free

Location: Virtual (Winning teams build experiments for suborbital flights)

Application Deadline: Opens in August

Program Dates: Yearlong competition

Eligibility: U.S. middle and high school student teams (grades 6-12)

Prize: Winning teams receive $1,500 and mentorship to build experiments for suborbital flights

Cohort Size: Up to 60 winning teams selected

The NASA TechRise Student Challenge invites student teams to design and propose science or technology experiments to be tested on high-altitude balloon flights or suborbital rockets. Winning teams receive funding, engineering support, and mentorship to bring their ideas to life. Students gain hands-on experience with designing experiments for real-world aerospace applications while learning about space research and engineering principles. The challenge is an excellent way for aspiring scientists and engineers to get involved in space exploration and innovation.

10. Higher Orbits’ Go For Launch!

Cost: Varies by location ($250–$500)

Location: Multiple locations across the U.S.

Application Deadline: Varies by event

Program Dates: Year-round events

Eligibility: U.S. high school students

Prize: Winning team’s experiment may be sent to space

Cohort Size: Varies by event

Go For Launch! is a multi-day program that uses space exploration as a platform to develop teamwork, communication, and STEM skills. Participants work in teams to design space experiments under the guidance of astronauts, scientists, and engineers. The winning experiment from each event may be selected to launch to the ISS, providing students with a real opportunity to contribute to space research. The program fosters critical thinking, leadership, and a deeper appreciation for space science. Exploring space isn’t just a dream—it’s a reality you can be part of today. Whether you're interested in NASA internships, hands-on research programs, or competitions that challenge your problem-solving skills, these opportunities will launch you into the world of space exploration.

To discover even more incredible extracurricular activities tailored to your interests, visit Extracurriculars.com. This platform helps students find the best programs, internships, and competitions to fuel their passions and build their futures. Start your journey today and take one step closer to the stars!

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