Final Frontier Calls Teens

South Fork teenagers with a passion for science — and outer space, in particular — will have a chance this summer to take it to a higher level.

Higher Orbits, a nonprofit organization that promotes education in science, technology, engineering, and math, collectively known as STEM, is bringing its signature program Go for Launch! to LTV Studios in Wainscott from July 28 to 30.

The program’s schedule includes talks by Jerry Ross, a retired NASA astronaut, and Michelle Lucas, the former International Space Station flight controller and astronaut instructor who founded Higher Orbits.

“I enjoy telling the participants what it was like to fly in space and especially what it was like to perform spacewalks,” Mr. Ross said in a release. “Michelle Lucas and her Higher Orbits organization always provide challenging and motivating STEM experiences for the students. Opportunities like this are just what young future scientists and engineers need to motivate them to pursue their dreams.”

As part of the program, students will work in groups to design and present scientific experiments that can be carried out in space. They will then compete with others from around the country who participated in other Go for Launch! sessions. The winning experiments will be carried out by astronauts on the International Space Station.

The program is for students ages 13 to 17. It emphasizes imagination, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. It will run eight hours a day for three days at a cost of $250 per participant, which includes meals and supplies. Registration by Friday, July 1, has been encouraged.

More information can be found online at higherorbits.org or by calling 707-893-STAR.