Engaging Young Women in Hawaiʻi with STEM-related Education & Careers

You are invited to embark on a memorable journey of discovery this summer! STARS is a week-long residential STEM experience for high school women who are interested in science 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 remarkable women working in STEM. Students make new friends with shared interests, learn about STEM subjects and careers, 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.

STARS students on Mauna Loa
STARS student building a robot
Students visit Imiloa astronomy center
STARS students planting a tree in the ground
Group of students inside the control room of Canada France Hawaii Telescope,
STARS students group photo
Sunset from the summit of Maunakea.

2025 STARS Program – Now accepting applications!

Applications for the 2025 STARS Program are open! Apply at the link below. Spaces are limited. 

Program details:

  • Dates: June 15–21
  • Location: Big Island of Hawaiʻi
  • Housing, meals, and on-island transportation provided (Airfare for outer-island students is not included)
  • Eligibility: Hawaiʻi high school girls (incoming freshmen through recently graduated seniors)
  • Cost: Free (spaces are limited)
  • Applications due: April 30, 2025

Activities:

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

The STARS Program Mission

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 careers. The program strives to improve overall gender equity and economic opportunities for young women in Hawaiʻi.

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.

 

Student Feedback

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

“STARS really opened my eyes to how amazing certain careers I had previously overlooked can be.”

“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.”

“STARS validated my feelings about going into aeronautics and becoming a pilot. It opened my mind to how much of a difference I can make in this world.”

Partners