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Explore NASA's Summer STEM Programs: From Coding to Career Insights

NASA's summer STEM programs offer teens coding challenges with real mission data and virtual career events to explore diverse roles, from robotics to aviation.

Ehedrick · 2026-05-03 12:58:34 · Science & Space

Rise to the Stardance Challenge

This summer, NASA and the education nonprofit Hack Club invite teens aged 13 to 18 to flex their creativity in the online Stardance Challenge, running from June 1 through September 30. Whether you're passionate about space, coding, hardware, or simply love building cool things, this challenge offers a unique opportunity to work with real NASA mission data from programs like Artemis and the James Webb Space Telescope.

Explore NASA's Summer STEM Programs: From Coding to Career Insights
Source: www.nasa.gov

Participants can create a wide range of projects, including code, apps, electronics, circuit boards, models, and simulations. Hack Club provides peer and expert reviews, prizes, and plenty of opportunities to showcase your work. Meanwhile, NASA grants access to publicly available datasets, mission materials, multimedia, and virtual sessions with subject matter experts who share insights on space science, engineering, and careers. To get started, visit the Hack Club: Stardance Challenge website to explore project options, check out prizes, and RSVP for a reminder when the challenge opens.

Go Behind the Scenes of NASA Careers

Think NASA is only for astronauts, scientists, and tech experts? Think again. The agency relies on a diverse workforce of professionals and specialists to achieve the nation's aerospace goals. Summer is the perfect time to discover how your skills and interests could contribute at NASA.

Connect directly with NASA experts through online events designed to spark curiosity and help you explore real STEM career paths. These virtual sessions provide a behind-the-scenes look at NASA's workforce, plus the chance to ask questions.

Explore NASA's Summer STEM Programs: From Coding to Career Insights
Source: www.nasa.gov

Career Technical Education Day at Goddard Space Flight Center

On Tuesday, June 2, NASA’s Career Technical Education Day at Goddard Space Flight Center delves into robotics, AI, autonomous systems, and the skilled technical careers that keep NASA missions running. Register by May 26 to secure your spot.

Virtual Career Connection: Aviation Technology and Maintenance

On Thursday, June 11, the Virtual Career Connection: Aviation Technology and Maintenance introduces you to aircraft mechanics and technicians who support NASA’s flight programs. Learn about pathways into aviation technology careers. Register by June 2.

For more opportunities, visit the Next Gen STEM for Careers web page, which offers videos, articles, and additional ways to learn about the variety of jobs at NASA.

Whether you dream of coding for space missions, maintaining aircraft, or exploring other STEM fields, NASA’s summer programs can help you take your interests to the next level. Dive in and discover where your talents might lead!

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