PISCES STARS PROGRAM

Engaging Women With STEM Studies & Careers

You are invited to embark on a memorable journey of discovery this summer! The PISCES STARS program is a week-long residential STEM experience for high school women who are interested in science, technology, and engineering, with a special focus on the captivating realm of space exploration. The program includes behind-the-scenes tours of science facilities, hands-on workshops, and inspirational talks by women working in STEM careers. Students make new friends with shared interests, learn about various STEM-related disciplines and vocations, and have fun in the process! STARS blends education with adventure, fostering a community of empowered young women who are ready to make their mark.

UPCOMING PROGRAM

STARS – 2026

Applications for the 2026 STARS Program will open in the spring of 2026. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Program details:

  • Dates: TBA
  • Location: Big Island of Hawaiʻi
  • Housing, meals, and on-island transportation provided (airfare for outer-island students not included)
  • Eligibility: Hawaiʻi high school girls (incoming freshmen through recently graduated seniors)
  • Cost: Free (spaces are limited)

Activities:

  • Exploration of STEM in our everyday life in Hawaiʻi including astronomy and space exploration, agriculture, geology, conservation, and more
  • Maunakea summit and obervatory tour
  • Presentations and hands-on activities by STEM professionals
  • Hands-on workshops in robotics, engineering, and aerospace
  • Planetarium show & presentation at ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
  • Agroforestry and farm tour
  • Guided night-time stargazing at Onizuka Center for International Astronomy
STARS student group photo at Hale Pohaku on Maunakea.

THE STARS MISSION

Inspiring Young Women

Women make up half of Hawaiʻi’s population, but only 25% work in STEM fields. According to a report by Million Women Mentors: “Women have lower self-confidence in their STEM abilities than men do, even when they perform at the same achievement levels as men. This lack of confidence can undermine their performance and their interest in pursuing STEM careers.”

Since 2014, STARS has sought to address this disparity by providing resources, inspiration, and mentorship to encourage young women in STEM-related studies and careers. The program strives to improve overall gender equity and economic opportunities for young women in Hawaiʻi while connecting participants with local resources and supportive mentors.

STARS was originally inspired by NASA’s successful summer programs for young women and has grown with support and participation by local nonprofits, STEM organizations, and multinational companies.

STARS students group photo at the summit of Maunakea.
STARS students planting seeds
STARS students build robots at Starbase Hawaii.
STARS students at Gemini Observatory.
Students visit Imiloa astronomy center
Students build robots at Starbase Hawaii during STARS in 2025.

PROGRAM FEEDBACK

What Students Say

“The STARS program was an incredible experience. It helped me to connect with other women my age who were interested in the same things as I was. It gave me hope for the future of my career and made me realize that women needed to support women especially in a predominantly male dominated field.”

“I had astronomy as an un-achievable dream beforehand and now it seems attainable.”

“It was transformative and eye opening. This program pushed me even further into wanting to pursue a STEM career.”

“STARS exposed me to many different STEM fields, especially on our island. I had so much fun and loved hearing from so many knowledgeable people.”

“I already was sure I was going into science, but the STARS Program boosted my confidence and excitement tremendously. It also gave me a more focused direction on where I want to be and how to get there.”

“The STARS program was a really unique, amazing, knowledge-growing experience.”

Program Partners