Is the Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics right for you?
- Are you passionate about Astronomy and Physics?
- Are you ready for the challenge of working on a complex project at an elite research university?
- Are you ready to see what you can do when you push yourself and the Universe is the limit?
- Are you excited to make friends that will last a lifetime?
- If so… read on!
The Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics (YSPA) is an intensive research and enrichment experience for 32 rising high school seniors—students currently in 11th grade—who show strong ability in science and math, have a keen interest in astrophysics, and are considering careers in scientific research. The program is hosted at the Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium (LFOP) at Yale University.
YSPA runs in two parts:
- A two-week online, self-directed study program.
- A four-week residential program on Yale’s campus.
During the residential portion, students live in a dorm together, attend classes at the planetarium, learn to code and analyze data in the observatory’s computer lab, and use telescopes (both in-person and remotely) to gather data for their research projects. By the end of the program, students write a scientific paper and present their findings at the YSPA mini-conference.
YSPA is unique. It’s not a summer camp, a college course, or a lab internship—but it shares elements of all three:
- Like an internship, you’ll gain hands-on research experience.
- Like a college course, you’ll dive into advanced science and math.
- Like a camp, you’ll build lasting friendships with peers who share your passion.
Expect to be challenged—both academically and personally. You’ll push your boundaries, learn new skills, and complete a research project you can be proud of. Many students say YSPA is one of the most demanding and rewarding things they’ve ever done.
YSPA’s goals are threefold:
- To immerse students in a real scientific research environment where they can gain confidence in their potential as future scientists.
- To foster personal growth through independent living and collaboration with equally motivated peers from around the world.
- To teach practical skills like programming, data analysis, statistics, scientific writing, and research methodology—skills valuable in any STEM career.
Many alumni describe YSPA as a transformative experience. To hear directly from students, visit the YSPA student blog.
