An Opportunity for Texas High School Juniors
The Texas High School Aerospace Scholars (TAS) program works with Spark! PK-12 Engineering Education Outreach to offer a unique opportunity for high school juniors across Texas. Tomorrow's engineers, scientists, researchers and innovators — today's students — are essential to the future of the space industry.
This program offers a one-of-a-kind experience for students to explore STEM-related majors or career opportunities. The highest-achieving students earn the opportunity to attend the onsite summer experience at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.
Applications for the Texas Aerospace Scholars Junior Experience are now open
TAS begins with Launch Pad, a year‑long commitment for high school juniors offering the opportunity to engage directly with NASA scientists and engineers while building transferable skills in coding, computer‑aided design (CAD), and engineering. High‑achieving students can earn invitations to Moonshot, a collaborative Artemis-themed challenge, and Base Camp, a residential experience at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
Applications are due September 16, 2026.
Requirements
- U.S. citizen
- Texas resident
- Texas high school juniors
- Internet access (from home, school or public library)
Experiences
During the school year, students participate in:
- Interactive lessons on space activities related to space exploration, earth science, technology and aeronautics.
- Design challenges such as 3D drawings, video creation, interactive poster designs, and more.
- Virtual chats with NASA engineers and scientists and Texas A&M Engineering Faculty.
- Team projects and briefings, directed by NASA engineers and scientists.
- Hands-on design challenge and engineering activities planning an Artemis-themed mission.
- Tours of NASA facilities.
Benefits
- Potential to earn a half or full credit for Engineering Design and Problem-Solving, a Texas Education Agency-approved course.
- Internship and scholarship opportunities, too!