Registration is open from Aug 1 - Nov 1, 2026 for the '26-27 SY

NASA's HUNCH Program in the North Eastern States

NASA HUNCH (High school students United with NASA to Create Hardware) is an innovative program that engages high school students in all regions of the United States in the design and fabrication of real-world products for use in space missions. In the North East, the HUNCH program is currently in Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. This program is designed to provide students with workforce development that motivates students to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) courses and careers.

Mentoring Future Astronauts, Engineers, and Space Enthusiasts

The HUNCH program allows students to work on projects that help the astronauts live and work in space. For example, students have the opportunity to participate in the Culinary Challenge that involves developing meal entrees for astronauts. The winning entree each year is sent to the ISS for the astronauts to enjoy. Every project has value to NASA's space missions. Below is a list of project types:

>Working on designing and prototyping an item to be used in space

>Manufacturing and documenting hardware

>Sewn products that fly to space

>Applying their culinary skills to make an entree that the astronauts may eat in space

>Videos that inform the public about NASA's missions

>Software to help space exploration and cyber security

>Health and Biomedical investigations to keep astronauts healthy

For all 9 of the HUNCH projects please visit the "Programs" tab.

The NASA HUNCH program not only helps students gain practical experience but also inspires them to pursue careers in aerospace and related fields.

Through these efforts, NASA aims to cultivate the next generation of scientists, astronauts and engineers who will contribute to future space exploration endeavors to the moon, mars, and beyond!