Apply to the STARTastro program!

STARTastro supports transfer students from California Community Colleges entering Astronomy and related majors at UCSD and SDSU. As STARTastro Scholars, you'll participate in an 8-week, fully-paid academic preparation and research training program, with faculty mentorship and tutoring support throughout your junior year. 

Selected scholars for 2025 are expected to participate in the program at UCSD & SDSU full-time from June 23 to August 15.

STARTastro benefits include:

• A $5,000 stipend for the summer

• Free campus housing at UC San Diego or commuting support during the summer program

• A 2-week academic program on astronomy, physics, math, and research skills (including python) that will help prepare you for the major

• A 6-week research experience with a faculty mentor that can be extended into the academic term

• Opportunity to present at the UCSD Summer Research Conference

• A graduate mentor and tutor available during the summer and academic term for help in classes, research, and engaging with UCSD

• Opportunities year-round to build your peer and professional network

To join the STARTastro program, you must satisfy the following eligibility requirements:

1. Be currently enrolled in a public California Community College program in a science or engineering major; and

2. Be accepted into SDSU, UCSD or other CSU/UC program as an incoming transfer student for Fall 2025.

Note: Preference will given to applicants transferring as Astronomy (SDSU) and Astronomy & Astrophysics (UCSD) majors. Community college students in residence in San Diego or Orange Counties who are transferring into Astronomy or Physics programs at other UC/CSU institutions will also be considered based on availability. 

STARTastro is open to all eligible students, and does not consider race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories as part of the application and selection process. There are no citizenship or residence requirements for this program.