NASA Engineering for High School Students

Explore the future of engineering with NASA.

At NSLC’s Engineering program in Houston, you’ll explore engineering and aerospace through mission-based simulations grounded in the real NASA-inspired challenges of modern space exploration. From rocket propulsion and robotics to thermal protection and life-sustaining environments, you’ll learn inside NASA Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston, gaining access to the active facilities used for astronaut preparation and mission development.

Experience the NASA Johnson Space Center

Work and learn inside NASA’s active astronaut training and development facilities alongside the engineers, operators, and specialists who are advancing the future of human space exploration.

I absolutely loved it! I knew I wanted to be an engineer before but now I’m sure. I also made friends I will never forget and experiences I will cherish forever.

Sophia, California

The NSLC is proud to partner with IEEE and the IEEE TryEngineering Summer Institute to foster the next generation of technology innovators through hands-on, interdisciplinary engineering education that empowers students to solve real-world challenges.
Guest Speakers

Learn from NASA industry leaders.

Learn directly from NASA engineers, mission specialists, and astronauts who bring real-world experiences and technical expertise to the Engineering program.

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Trips & Tours

Go beyond the classroom at NASA.

Gain a new perspective on engineering and learn how the industry works behind the scenes. Explore NASA’s facilities and see first-hand where rockets are designed, flight systems are tested, and mission hardware is refined.

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Rice University Trips & Tours

Trips and tours may include:

  • NASA Johnson Space Center (Historic Mission Control Center, Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility, Starship Gallery Tour, Rocket Park)
  • George R. Brown School of Engineering | Rice University
  • Oshman Engineering Design Kitchen
  • Galleria/Uptown

Leadership
is in our name.

Each NSLC program contains a leadership curriculum designed to teach skills that can apply to all areas of life. Workshops on personality styles, communication and listening, resilience, and empathy set the foundation for a successful future, no matter where it may lead.

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Life on a College Campus

Dates, Locations, & Tuition

NSLC provides an immersive pre-college experience that prepares students for life beyond high school, allowing them to study in university classrooms, learn to navigate a college campus, and experience living with roommates. Students in the Houston program will also spend five days learning within NASA Johnson Space Center’s state-of-the-art development facilities. All students are required to reside at Rice University in supervised campus dormitories and will be provided meals through campus dining services.

What does my tuition include?

Rice University°

Houston, TX

$4,195 Residential

Summer 2026

Jun 11 - Jun 19

Jun 23 - Jul 1

Trips & Tours Sample Schedule

Rice University Trips & Tours

Trips and tours may include:

  • NASA Johnson Space Center (Historic Mission Control Center, Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility, Starship Gallery Tour, Rocket Park)
  • George R. Brown School of Engineering | Rice University
  • Oshman Engineering Design Kitchen
  • Galleria/Uptown

° The NSLC is not sponsored by William Marsh Rice University.

Pay over time.

Flexible plans allow you to pay monthly – until 30 days before your program – at no additional fee.
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Protect your tuition.

Affordable trip insurance protects your investment in case of emergency.
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Apply for a scholarship.

NSLC awards more than $500,000 in scholarships each year.
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Earn College Credit

NSLC has partnered with American University to offer an online college credit opportunity for students across all our programs and locations. AU’s faculty-taught courses are completed at home outside the dates of your program and tailored to complement your area of study.

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Your future starts here.

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