REACH By Northwestern University

Overview

REACH (Research Experiences in Astronomy at CIERA for High School Students) is a highly interactive program that provides high school students experience with astronomy research in an atmosphere of team-style learning, hands-on training, and mentorship from professional scientists. Sessions consist of a 3-week Core program followed by REACH Further, a limited-availability, 3-week extended research project with a mentor.

Students enrolled in the program engage in astronomy research projects with CIERA astronomers. Aligned with the requirements of modern astrophysics research, the Core program is focused on intensive training in the Python programming language and astro-related packages, similar to a coding bootcamp. Students also 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. Students then apply their programming skills to complete one or more mini projects built upon research actively being done at CIERA.

REACH is an introductory program. No prior experience with computer programming or astronomy is needed, nor is it assumed.

Students accepted into REACH Further dive deeper into an independent research project under the supervision of a CIERA mentor. Completion of the Core program is necessary to attend REACH Further.