Texas Aerospace Scholars Senior Experience
Overview
The TAS Senior Experience is a six-month commitment for high school seniors in which students engage directly with NASA scientists and engineers while learning about the relationship between manufacturing and the engineering design process.
The Senior Experience begins with Ignition, an online course where students explore topics in aerospace manufacturing, engineering, and other areas related to human spaceflight and the development of lunar surface infrastructure. The highest achieving students will be invited to participate in Flight Path, a five-day virtual summer challenge, in which students work in teams to design a component inspired by real challenges NASA faces in building a sustainable lunar presence.
Top scoring teams are then invited to Slingshot, a residential experience at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, where they manufacture prototypes, participate in exclusive behind the scenes tours, and showcase their designs to NASA professionals.
Eligibility Requirements
In order to qualify, students must be:
- A U.S. Citizen
- A Texas resident
- Enrolled as a senior in a Texas high school
- Interested in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics
- Able to access the internet (from home, school, or a public library)
- Committed to completing a 10-week online course
How to Apply
Complete the following steps to submit an application in NASA STEM Gateway:
- Login OR Create a Customized Profile – Create an account for access to additional functionality and curated experiences.
- Visit the TAS Ignition Opportunity Page [AC1] – The opportunity will only be accessible during the active (open) application period.
- Upload transcript from a Texas high school.
- Name should be visible on transcript and match the name on the Gateway account.
- Transcript should show that the student is currently enrolled as a senior.
- Complete the “Expression of Interest” essay to be shared with state legislators.
- Click on the Apply button in the upper-right corner and complete the application.
Check the timeline for important dates.
Timeline and Important Dates
The TAS Team is currently in process of developing the new Senior Experience. The timeline will be updated when information is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Applicant must be:
- U.S. citizen
- Texas resident
- Texas High school senior
- Committed to the six-month program duration, including a virtual summer experience
- Able to access the Internet (home, school, or public library)
Students enrolled in our program can attend any type of school, including homeschool, public, private, charter, and online schools, as long as the school is based in the state of Texas. Proof of enrollment may be requested.
Due to funding, TAS Senior Experience participants must be U.S. citizens and Texas high school seniors. Students who are not U.S. citizens or Texas high school seniors are encouraged to visit the NASA Office of STEM Engagement website to explore a full list of opportunities and resources.
Email hq-nasa-stem-gateway@mail.nasa.gov for all questions about your application.
Transcripts should show the student’s name and match the name on the NASA STEM Gateway account. Transcripts should verify that the student is a current Texas high school senior. Unofficial transcripts are accepted. Please upload a copy of the transcript to your application on the NASA STEM Gateway.
The Texas Aerospace Scholars team will share the essay from your STEM Gateway application with state legislators to coordinate your nomination. Please ensure your essay captures your interest in TAS in a concise and professional manner. No additional action is required from students.
Award notifications of application acceptance will be sent via email from hq-nasa-stem-gateway@mail.nasa.gov. You must accept this offer. Once accepted a notification about login to the online course and student orientation will be sent via email from jsc-has@mail.nasa.gov.
The TAS Team is currently in process of developing the new Senior Experience. The timeline will be updated when information is available.
No cost for selected students or educators involved in the program.
Due to the timing of the TAS senior experience, participants will not be eligible to earn high school credit for their participation; However, students will receive a certificate of completion and valuable skills towards a future in aerospace!
For more information about Texas Aerospace Scholars, please email questions to jsc-has@mail.nasa.gov.
