Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS)

Summer program · Virginia Space Grant Consortium

Virginia Space Coast Scholars is a free online course for Virginia high school sophomores built around missions flown from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility. Scholars who complete the coursework and rank among the top 120 performers statewide are invited to a seven-day residential summer academy at Wallops Island, with housing, meals, and transportation to the facility covered. Applicants need a teacher recommendation and a school counselor letter confirming a minimum 2.7 GPA.

Who can apply

GradesSophomores only

Min GPA2.7

ScopeState

StatesVA

FieldsAerospace · Engineering

EligibilityMust be a Virginia resident (limited exception for Maryland families tied to NASA Wallops); U.S. citizenship required to attend the academy.

SelectivityTop 120 statewide scholars selected for the summer academy

Logistics

Cost to youFree

Financial aidNot listed

StipendNone

FormatHybrid

LengthOnline course + 7-day residential academy at NASA Wallops

WhereNASA Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, VA

Applying

OpensOpens mid-August

DueDue October 25, 2026

You submitTeacher recommendation, school counselor confirmation letter, minimum 2.7 GPA.

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