Overview
Summer is heating up, and NASA is launching a stellar lineup of STEM activities designed to ignite curiosity, build skills, and open doors to the cosmos. Whether you’re a budding coder, a hardware tinkerer, or simply wondering what it takes to work for the space agency, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to get involved. From a creative coding challenge using real mission data to behind-the-scenes virtual career sessions, these opportunities let you space out in the best possible way — by learning, creating, and dreaming big.
Prerequisites
Before you blast off, make sure you have the following ready:
- Age requirements: The Stardance Challenge is open to students aged 13–18; career events are open to all interested students (recommended for middle and high school).
- Internet access: Both activities are online – you’ll need a reliable connection to participate.
- A curious mindset: No prior NASA knowledge required, just enthusiasm for space, science, and technology.
- Optional tools for Stardance: A computer for coding, electronics kits, or any materials you like for hardware projects.
- Registration: Some events require sign-up by specific deadlines (see step-by-step below).
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Join the Stardance Challenge
What it is: A creative competition from June 1 to September 30, where teens (ages 13–18) use NASA mission data from Artemis, the James Webb Space Telescope, and other programs to build anything – from code and apps to circuit boards and simulations. It’s a partnership between NASA and the non-profit Hack Club, with peer and expert reviews, prizes, and virtual Q&A with NASA experts.
Steps to participate:
- Visit the Hack Club Stardance Challenge website. Go to hackclub.com/stardance/ to explore project ideas, view prizes, and RSVP for reminders.
- Choose your project type. Decide if you want to code, build hardware, create a simulation, or design a model. NASA provides publicly available datasets and mission materials – you can access them from the challenge page.
- Gather your tools. For coding: use Python, JavaScript, or any language you like. For hardware: maybe an Arduino or Raspberry Pi. For simulations: try software like Unity or Blender. Hack Club offers guides and community support.
- Build your project. Work individually or in a team. Use NASA’s datasheets, images, and video clips to inspire your creation. Attend virtual sessions with subject matter experts (dates will be posted on the site) for insider tips.
- Submit your work. Follow the challenge submission guidelines on the website before the September 30 deadline. You’ll get feedback from peers and NASA & Hack Club judges.
- Celebrate and share. Winners receive prizes (details on the site), and all participants get to showcase their creations in a digital gallery.
Pro Tip: If you’re new to coding, start with a simple app that visualizes James Webb images. Hack Club has beginner-friendly resources.
2. Go Behind the Scenes of NASA Careers
What it is: Virtual events where you can meet NASA professionals – not just astronauts and scientists, but aircraft mechanics, roboticists, AI specialists, and more. Two events are highlighted for summer 2025 (dates may vary each year; check NASA’s Next Gen STEM page for updates).
Steps to attend:
- Mark your calendar for June 2: NASA’s Career Technical Education Day at Goddard Space Flight Center. This session focuses on robotics, AI, autonomous systems, and the skilled technical jobs that keep NASA running. Register by May 26 via the link provided on the Next Gen STEM Careers page.
- Mark June 11: Virtual Career Connection: Aviation Technology and Maintenance. Meet aircraft mechanics and technicians supporting NASA flight programs. Register by June 2 through the same career page.
- Prepare a question. During the live Q&A, ask about career paths, daily tasks, or how to start preparing now. NASA experts love to share advice.
- Explore more. After the events, visit the Next Gen STEM for Careers page for videos, articles, and additional ways to learn about hundreds of roles at NASA.
Note: If you miss the live sessions, recordings are often posted on NASA’s YouTube channel and the careers page.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing registration deadlines. For career events, early registration is essential – spots may fill up. Set a reminder.
- Overcomplicating your Stardance project. You don’t need a PhD to win. Start small, iterate, and ask for help in the Hack Club community. Many winning projects are simple but clever.
- Ignoring the datasets. NASA provides rich, real data – use it! Even a basic graph of Webb’s first images can be impressive.
- Not checking age/eligibility. Stardance is for 13–18 only. If you’re younger, look for other NASA STEM activities (like the Artemis Student Challenges).
- Forgetting to have fun. These are learning experiences. Even if you don’t win, you’ll build skills and meet cool people.
Summary
NASA’s summer STEM offerings give you two powerful ways to level up: create something original with the Stardance Challenge and connect with real NASA professionals through virtual career events. Both are free, online, and designed to show that anyone with passion can contribute to space exploration. Pick your adventure, register early, and let your curiosity take flight. For more ongoing opportunities, bookmark the Next Gen STEM page and follow NASA STEM on social media.