Astronomy & Astrophysics Summer Academy

A residential, in-person summer academy at Rutgers–New Brunswick that introduces high school students to astronomy, planetary science, astrophysics and cosmology through lectures, hands-on activities, field trips and observatory sessions. The program offers an introductory Week I and an advanced Week II focused on a week-long, college-level research experience using tools such as SQL and Python and databases like SDSS and Gaia. Participants meet professional astrophysicists and graduate researchers and gain experience in observation, data analysis, scientific reasoning and science communication. The academy includes on-campus residential living and a Rutgers Pre-College Digital Badge upon completion.

Rutgers Pre-College Digital Badge upon completion; on-campus residential housing; meetings with astrophysicists and visits/observing sessions at the Robert A. Schommer Astronomical Observatory; hands-on research experience (Week II) with tools like SQL and Python.

Students completing their sophomore and junior year, ages 16 to 18 by Summer 2026.

Apply via the Rutgers Pre-College Summer application portal.