FULLY FUNDED: Apply for the NASA TechRise Student Challenge 2026

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FULLY FUNDED: Apply for the NASA TechRise Student Challenge 2026

Applications are now open for the prestigious NASA TechRise Student Challenge, an inspiring program that invites middle and high school students to design innovative experiments for launch on either a suborbital spaceship or a high-altitude balloon. This initiative allows students to explore topics such as climate science, remote sensing, and microgravity while gaining hands-on experience in engineering, computing, and problem-solving. Winning teams will receive funding, technical support, and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see their experiments take flight in 2026.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link to apply for this opportunity.

Host Institution

The challenge is organized by NASA in partnership with Future Engineers.

Program Type

Fully Funded

Program Benefits

Winners will be awarded a $1,500 grant to design and build their experiments, along with a starter kit that includes a special “flight box” to house their project. Selected teams will also secure a slot for their experiment to fly on a NASA-supported suborbital flight or high-altitude balloon. In addition, students will receive technical mentorship, workshops, and resources that will expand their STEM knowledge while strengthening teamwork and creativity. This program gives students real-world experience in aerospace and engineering, while providing the unforgettable experience of watching their designs soar into near space or microgravity.

Eligibility Criteria

The NASA TechRise Student Challenge is open to all schools within the United States, including public, private, and charter schools that serve students in grades 6 through 12. Each team must consist of at least four students, with a teacher or school staff member serving as the team lead. Homeschool teams may participate if they are affiliated with an eligible school. Schools are allowed to submit multiple entries, provided each proposal comes from a distinct team and is unique. This opportunity is currently limited to U.S. schools and territories, and is not open to international participants.

Eligible Countries

United States

Application Procedure

Click the official link to apply

Official Link

https://www.futureengineers.org/nasatechrise