NASA is launching several summer STEM initiatives from June 1 to September 30, aimed at engaging students aged 13 to 18 and the wider community in space science, engineering, and research. These programs provide opportunities to work with real NASA mission data, explore aerospace careers, and participate in citizen science projects.
Stardance Challenge Invites Youth Creativity
The online Stardance Challenge, a collaboration between NASA and Hack Club, encourages teens to develop projects using data from NASA missions such as Artemis and the James Webb Space Telescope. Participants can create software, electronics, models, and simulations, with access to mission materials and virtual sessions led by experts in space science and engineering. The challenge offers peer and expert reviews, prizes, and a platform for showcasing work.
Interested students can visit the Hack Club website for project ideas, prize details, and to RSVP for reminders when the challenge begins.
Virtual Career Events Highlight NASA Workforce
NASA is also hosting virtual events to provide insight into the agency’s diverse career opportunities beyond astronaut and scientist roles. These sessions target students and individuals curious about technical and aviation-related jobs supporting NASA missions.
- On June 2, NASA’s Career Technical Education Day at Goddard Space Flight Center will focus on robotics, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and skilled technical careers. Participants must register by May 26.
- On June 11, the Virtual Career Connection event will feature aircraft mechanics and technicians involved in NASA flight programs, with registrations accepted through June 2.
Additional career resources are available on NASA’s Next Gen STEM webpage, which includes videos and articles about various job paths within the agency.
Citizen Science Projects Engage the Public
NASA invites people of all ages to contribute to authentic scientific research through citizen science initiatives. These projects allow participants to assist NASA scientists remotely using smartphones or computers.
Two featured projects include:
- Space Cloud Watch: Participants photograph and report noctilucent clouds—high-altitude, night-shining clouds visible during summer twilight at high latitudes—to help monitor their changes.
- Cloudspotting on Mars: Volunteers analyze NASA images to identify clouds over Mars, aiding research on Martian weather patterns.
More citizen science opportunities are listed on NASA’s Science Mission Directorate website.
Why it matters
These programs foster STEM education and public involvement in NASA’s missions, providing participants with hands-on experience and insight into careers in science and technology. By engaging youth and volunteers, NASA helps build the next generation of space scientists and engineers while advancing scientific understanding through community collaboration.
Sources
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