Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholars (ISAS)

Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholars (ISAS) is a competitive program from the Idaho State Department of Education that gives Idaho high school juniors a NASA-developed online course on space exploration, followed by a summer academy for top performers. During the school year, students take a graded course through Idaho Digital Learning made up of eight online units and a semester project. The coursework covers a wide range of science, technology, engineering, and math skills tied to space exploration and to STEM work in Idaho, and master educators support students online throughout. Students who complete the course successfully may earn one science credit. Based on how they perform in the course, selected students are invited to a week-long residential summer academy at the University of Idaho. There, they work with STEM mentors and master educators, take part in a mentored team simulation of a human mission to Mars, and join hands-on STEM activities focused on Idaho.

Open to Idaho high school juniors who are Idaho residents. The program is open to U.S. citizens; permanent residents may apply for the online course, but NASA security restrictions typically keep non-citizens out of the summer academy. Applicants submit an online form with student and parent/guardian information, an unofficial transcript, and three essays of up to 350 words each on their reasons for applying, career interests, and activities, work, volunteering, and awards. Applications for 2026-2027 are due October 25, 2026.