Summer Research Experiences in Astronomy at CIERA for High School Students
We are writing to let you know that the application for the summer 2026 Research Experiences in Astronomy at CIERA for High School Students (REACH) program is now open! We hope that you will pass this information on to any student you know of that may be interested in the program.
REACH provides high school students with intensive training in the Python programming language in the context of astrophysics research. Students practice necessary research skills and gain a background in a variety of astronomy topics.
Participants will also participate in extracurriculars such as a college/career panel, solar observing at Dearborn Observatory, and social games. A limited number of students will be eligible to continue working 1-on-1 with a CIERA scientist on a research
project. More information can be found on the attached poster, or on the program website here:
https://sites.northwestern.edu/cierahs/.
REACH is an introductory program. No prior experience with computer programming or astronomy is needed, nor is it assumed.
The REACH program is dedicated to engaging students from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields, and so we particularly encourage such students to apply!
Full or partial tuition assistance is available to students in need.
If you have any questions about the program, please don’t hesitate to contact us at ciera-hsprogram@northwestern.edu. We look forward to seeing applications soon!
Application deadline is March 9th
REACH Website: https://sites.northwestern.edu/cierahs/