Space Center U | Ages 11-14
Monday, May 26, 2025
–Friday, May 30, 2025
8:00 am
–4:00 pm
Space Center U® is a multi-day, hands-on STEM experience for students ages 11–18, inspired by real NASA missions that puts students in the role of NASA scientists, engineers, and astronauts. Hosted at Space Center Houston, this immersive program builds teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking through exciting space-themed challenges.
Space Center U programs are typically booked as a group experience, but we offer open registration during the summer.
What we explore together:
🚀 Rocketry and Launch Systems
🤖 Robotics and Programming
🔥 Thermal Protection Systems
🛰️ Space Habitat Design
The Gene Kranz Scholarship Program provides deserving students ages 11-18 with scholarships to Space Center U®, a week-long, immersive engineering design program that encourages in its students the same qualities that Kranz made famous: competence under pressure, innovative problem solving and excellent teamwork. Through students’ participation in Space Center U®, Space Center Houston broadens opportunities for students to participate in STEM learning and fields.
Directly after the Apollo 1 tragedy, Gene Kranz addressed his mission control team and established the Kranz Dictum, which states, “…From this day forward, Flight Control will be known by two words: ‘Tough’ and ‘Competent.’ Tough means we are forever accountable for what we do or what we fail to do. We will never again compromise our responsibilities… Competent means we will never take anything for granted. We will never be found short in our knowledge and in our skills…”
Applicants will submit an essay relating to the Gene Kranz Doctrine and submission of a letter of reference from one of their educators/teachers. Scholarships will be awarded based on the impact of the applicant’s essay and letter of reference from an educator. Selected applicants will be notified via email if they are selected. Scholarship recipients are selected by a Space Center Houston Education Committee made up of education specialists and directors under the direction of the Education Vice President for Space Center Houston.
The scholarship includes registration to a Space Center Houston, Space University Core or Mission Control Program, but it does not cover travel expenses or lodging. Participants must arrange their own transportation to and from the airport, to and from the hotel each day, and to other destinations depending on the program selected (SCUBA session, etc.). Scholarship is to be utilized for Space U programming only. No cash value.
How to apply – Submit an online application including essay and letter of reference during the open application period. For the 2025 scholarship year, it will be September 18- November 18, 2025. We cannot accept any late applications, essay submissions or letters of reference. Please click on the link below to begin the submission process.
Submit an online essay related to the Gene Kranz Doctrine (no more than 500 words). The essay question will be within the online process. The essay section will be available after your completion of the application.
Letter of reference from an educator for the applicant – to be uploaded via the online submission system.
Selected applicants will be notified via email mid-December of the application year if they are selected.
Scholarship winners are asked to write a program reflection of their scholarship experience in reference to donors and Gene Kranz, 2 weeks after their program completion.
2025 Gene Kranz Scholarships expire on December 31st, 2026. Registrations for Space U programming must be in before the scholarship expires to be honored.
Cancellations must be emailed to [email protected] and received no later than four weeks before the first day of program. (Participants will be re-scheduled based on availability of open program slots; Cancellations made after the deadline will not be rescheduled and candidates will not be considered for future scholarships; if Space Center Houston cancels the program, the registrant(s) may reschedule).
HOURS TODAY
The All-American Rejects are throwing Space Center Houston’s Moon 2 Mars Festival into hyperdrive. Amp up your Space City Spring Break with us!
Access to this all-ages festival is included in general admission.
Space Center Houston will close at 3 p.m. CT on Tuesday, April 29. Understand how this will impact your visit.
WEATHER ALERT
For the safety of our guests and staff, Space Center Houston is closed on Tuesday, January 21 and Wednesday, January 22 due to forecasted inclement weather.
We apologize for the inconvenience and look forward to welcoming you soon! For questions or concerns, contact our Reservations team with your order number at 281.283.4755 or via email.