Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) for High School Students—Should You Participate?
High school is a time for exploring subjects and phenomena that excite your curiosity, and outer space is a topic that many find fascinating. There are several programs that can help you explore astronomy and cosmology, and they’re a great way to learn both academic and life skills.
Taking part in a program like the Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS), the subject of today’s blog, is a solid way to make your college applications stand out by demonstrating your interest in science and your commitment to solving real-world space exploration challenges.
What is VESSS all about?
The Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) program is an interactive online STEM learning experience for Virginia high school juniors and seniors that gives you the opportunity to engage with NASA’s satellite missions and research. The program also offers the opportunity to attend a week-long residential academy at NASA.
This program, run by the Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) in partnership with NASA Langley Research Center and the Commonwealth of Virginia, covers topics like climate change, atmospheric sciences, and cosmological research from NASA’s active research missions. The first part of the program consists of online learning modules, and completing them gives you the chance to spend a week at NASA and take a challenging curriculum that mirrors real-world NASA missions. By the end of the program, you gain not only knowledge but also hands-on experience with scientific techniques and tools used in Earth system science.
How is VESSS structured?
VESSS is divided into two main phases: a set of seven online modules with a capstone project, and a one-week summer residential experience.
The online coursework begins in December, and a module is due every two weeks. The courses are rigorous, requiring you to propose solutions to real-world research challenges, participate in advanced discussions on Earth-science topics, and write technical reports. By the end of the seven modules, you’ll have a good understanding of Earth’s responses to natural and man-made climate change and its impacts on human society.
Even in these courses, there is plenty of interaction with NASA scientists, engineers, and other scholars. One of the best parts of this course is that it is a free transferable, four credit GOL 105 dual enrollment course, and thus gives you a head start on your college education.
The residential experience takes place at the NASA Langley Research Center in the second and third weeks of July, where you get to work directly with NASA scientists and engineers. Here, you will work on a hypothetical satellite to study Earth’s major spheres and design the full mission and satellite launch under the guidance of NASA scientists and engineers.
The program also offers facility tours of the NASA Langley Research Center, guest lectures from senior scientists, and briefings and seminars on the latest research in Earth sciences. The mentorship and hands-on experiences provide an authentic look at what it’s like to work in Earth system science, from research to problem-solving. You must qualify for the residential experience based on your performance in the online course modules and the capstone project.
Is it prestigious?
VESSS is highly competitive and regarded as one of the top programs for high school students interested in Earth science. Only a select number of students are accepted each year, making participation a valuable addition to any college application. The program provides exclusive networking opportunities and mentorship from NASA scientists, engineers, and industry professionals, which can be highly beneficial when planning for your future education or career. This makes VESSS an excellent program for those looking to enhance their academic profile and gain meaningful experience in Earth system science.
Who is eligible to apply?
To apply for the VESSS program, you must:
Be a high school junior or senior residing in Virginia
Be a U.S. citizen to be eligible for the residential summer academy
Have at least a 2.7 GPA
Have internet access and a valid email address to complete the online coursework
No previous experience in Earth science is required, but strong math and science skills are recommended.
How does the application process work?
An application to VESSS requires:
Filling out an online application form
A teacher recommendation
A school counselor letter confirming that you’re a high school junior or senior and your GPA
There are no fees for participating in the program. The program covers all costs for those selected.
Pros and cons to consider
Pros:
You get exclusive access to NASA facilities: The program’s partnership with NASA allows you to gain firsthand experience with NASA scientists and engineers at the Langley Research Center, giving you a unique educational experience.
Hands-on research experience: You will conduct research using advanced scientific tools and methodologies, which is excellent preparation for college-level work.
The mentorship available is of high quality: You will receive mentorship from leading scientists and engineers at NASA, who are some of the sharpest minds in the country, vastly enriching your academic knowledge and awareness of career paths in STEM.
Excellent networking opportunities: In addition to the ability to network with professionals at NASA, you’ll collaborate with talented peers from across the state, forming a valuable network.
It’s a fully funded program: There’s no cost of entry or participation, making it highly accessible as long as you meet the criteria and clear the competitive selection process.
Cons:
It’s a significant time commitment across the academic year: The online coursework takes several months and requires a significant amount of self-discipline and time management, which can be challenging if you already have a busy schedule.
The program is limited to Virginia students: Unfortunately, only students from Virginia can apply, which limits the program's accessibility to a broader audience.
Rigorous curriculum: The program’s content is quite advanced, and while it offers a rewarding experience, it may feel overwhelming if you are not prepared for college-level material.
Is it legit?
In conclusion, VESSS is a great opportunity for high school students interested in Earth system science and looking to gain a competitive edge when applying to college. While it’s highly competitive, this program’s exposure to and collaboration with NASA can provide you with the kind of knowledge, skills, and connections that you would otherwise not have access to. For high schoolers, VESSS can provide a significant boost to your future academic and career prospects.
One other option — the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.