Breaking: NASA Kicks Off Summer STEM Series with Stardance Challenge and Career Events
NASA has unveiled a slate of free summer STEM activities, including the Stardance Challenge for teens and virtual career exploration sessions. The agency aims to engage students aged 13–18 in real mission data from Artemis and the James Webb Space Telescope.
“We want every young person to see themselves in NASA’s future,” said Dr. Lisa Michalski, NASA’s Director of STEM Engagement. “These programs turn summer boredom into hands-on discovery.”
Stardance Challenge Opens June 1
From June 1 through September 30, the Stardance Challenge invites students to create coding projects, electronics, models, or simulations using NASA data. The challenge is run in partnership with the nonprofit Hack Club.
Participants get access to publicly available datasets, mission materials, and virtual sessions with NASA experts. “Students can build anything from a video game to a circuit board,” said Hack Club founder Zach Latta. “This is real engineering, not a classroom simulation.”
Behind-the-Scenes Career Events
NASA is also hosting two online career events in June. On Tuesday, June 2, the agency’s Career Technical Education Day at Goddard Space Flight Center will focus on robotics, AI, and skilled technical careers. Registration closes May 26.
On Thursday, June 11, a Virtual Career Connection: Aviation Technology and Maintenance event will introduce aircraft mechanics and technicians. “NASA needs more than rocket scientists—we need electricians, welders, and coders too,” said event coordinator Maria Torres.
Background
Each summer, NASA expands its STEM outreach to prevent learning loss and inspire the next generation. The Stardance Challenge replaces previous hackathons with a longer, more flexible format.
“Summer is when students have time to dive deep into projects,” said NASA education specialist Kevin Park. “We structured this to let them explore without the pressure of a school deadline.”
What This Means
These opportunities offer students a direct pipeline to NASA careers and real-world problem-solving. Success in the Stardance Challenge could lead to internships or recognition from agency scientists.
“Participation in these challenges often sparks a lifelong interest in STEM,” noted Dr. Michalski. “We’re building the workforce of tomorrow, today.”
For more information, visit the Hack Club: Stardance Challenge website and Next Gen STEM Careers page.