Eligibility

Applicants should be:

• Students in any of the fields related to astronomical instrumentation: astronomy, engineering, physics, or computer science.  
• Upper-level undergraduates (year 3+ in the current fall term or recently completed undergrad degree) or early graduate students (masters or PhD students in year 1 or 2 of program)
• Students must have some background in astronomy or optics
• Studying or working in the United States is required (including Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories). U.S. citizenship is not required.

Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate their interest in broadening participation in STEM  (through involvement in activities, organizations, personal experiences, etc.) and specifically in AstroTech’s focus on how to be a more collaborative team member.

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Steps

AstroTech has two applications, one for individuals applying as “new participants” and one for AstroTech alumni, e.g., who have previously participated in the AstroTech Summer School.

1. Choose the appropriate application portal, e.g., new participant or AstroTech alumni.
2. If you are a new participant, and have never registered, create an account on the application portal, otherwise, please use your previous account login to apply.
3. Fill out the information section of the online application completely
4. Upload unofficial transcripts
5. Submit the name and contact of at least 1 reference*  (new participants ONLY)
6. Review and submit the main application by the deadline

*References will be emailed a link to complete a reference questionnaire instead of submitting letters. Deadline for all parts of the main application, including transcripts and reference questionnaire(s), is February 2, 2026

Important Dates

Fall 2025: Application opens!

February 2, 2026: Deadline to apply

Late March 2026: Applicants notified

June 22 -26, 2026 : Summer School at UC Berkeley (Participants are required to arrive June 21 and depart June 27).

Application Materials

All materials defined below can be submitted through the online application

References

References are only required for new participant applications.

Provide contact information (email address) for a reference who can speak to your experience and interest in a discipline related to astronomical instrumentation.

Named references will receive an email with a personalized link to submit a questionnaire to address your career goals, motivation, and teamwork, and how AstroTech will be a beneficial opportunity to you. We are looking to hear from a reference who can speak to your experience and interest in a discipline related to astronomical instrumentation (astronomy, physics, engineering, computer science). Letters of recommendation will not be accepted.

We recommend you submit your reference’s contact information as soon as you begin the application. They will receive a questionnaire they must submit by February 2, 2026, the same date your application responses and transcript(s) are due.

Information Section

In this section you will need to answer questions about your interest in AstroTech, personal background and experiences, and career motivations.

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Selection Criteria

We consider various factors in the selection process. Applicants will have the opportunity to address these factors through written responses on the application form, by identifying a reference for further input, and by providing relevant academic transcripts. A core goal of AstroTech is to increase participation of all kinds of individuals with various experiences in astronomy and instrumentation. We aim to broaden participation in astronomical instrumentation and build a supportive, thriving, and enduring community.

For returning AstroTech participants, please see this document for information on the returner experience and selection criteria: AstroTech Returning Experience Information.

The following lists our selection criteria:

• Career goals related to instrumentation
• Value of AstroTech to the applicant (uniqueness of opportunity and alignment with applicant’s career interests)
• Prior coursework and academic performance relevant to instrumentation
• Skills or experience relevant to instrumentation (we will consider technical skills/experience, and broader skills/experience with creating things and addressing open-ended problems)
• Interest in improving teamwork and collaboration skills
• Availability for the full duration of the summer school

Interest in a career in astronomical instrumentation

Academic level

Priority is given to “upper-level” undergraduate students (at least two years of undergraduate experience prior to attending the summer school) or graduate students in the first two years of a graduate program, whether terminating in a Masters or PhD.  

Individuals who have completed an undergraduate degree (including those not currently enrolled), and are intending to pursue graduate studies related to astronomical instrumentation are also considered.  

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​Contact Us

Individuals with questions about AstroTech should contact: astrotech@ucsc.edu