Welcome to the Young Astronomers Program
Thank you for your interest in the Young Astronomers Program (YAP) of the Central Valley Astronomers! This website serves as your introduction to the Young Astronomers Program, including the requirements for applying, the competencies (skills) that they will learn, and the expectations that must be met in order to complete the program. It will also provide student resources for students participating in the program.
Application Process and Timeline
In order to apply to participate in the 2024 program year, applicants must be at least 13 and not more than 23 years of age as of September 1, 2024. Your completed application form must be RECEIVED by us no later than October 31, 2024. The application timeline is as follows:
- September 1, 2024 – Application Period Opens
- October 31, 2024 – Application Period Closes
- November 1 – 15, 2024 – Applications Reviewed by Education Committee
- November 30, 2024 – All Applicants Notified (Successful or Unsuccessful)
- December 1 – 31, 2024 – Successful Applicants Pay $15 Student Membership Fee
Students that are accepted into the program are required to sign up for a student membership ($15.00). This membership fee covers the student and a parent/guardian (if required) for the entire year. Student membership fees must be received no later than December 31, 2024. You may mail a check or use the membership signup form on our website. Do not pay for your membership fees until you receive confirmation that you have been accepted into the program.
Age Requirements
To apply for the Young Astronomers Program, you must be no younger than age 13 and no older than age 23 on September 1 of the year prior to the program year. Example: If you are applying for the 2024 Young Astronomers Program, you will need to be at least 13 and no older than 23 on September 1, 2023. Please note that minors (persons under the age of 18) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for all Young Astronomers Program events, even if the student has a license to drive.
Attendance Requirements
As a Young Astronomers Program student, you will be required to attend and participate in a number of club events. A summary is directly below; scroll down further to read more about each category.
- Mandatory Orientation – At January Club Meeting
- Club Meetings – 4 Total, Minimum 1 Per Trimester
- Public-Centered Star Parties – 3 Total, Minimum 1 Per Trimester
- Dark Sky Star Parties – 4 Total, Minimum 1 Per Trimester
- Final Presentation – At November or December Club Meeting
The program year is broken up into three trimesters:
- Spring Trimester – February, March, and April
- Summer Trimester – May, June, and July
- Fall Trimester – August, September, and October
Mandatory Orientation
The mandatory orientation will be your opportunity to meet your program mentor and the other club members as well as to pick up your program materials. This orientation takes place at the January club meeting. Attending this orientation does not count toward your club meeting attendance requirements (next section).Club Meetings
For each club meeting, you are required to be on time for the start of the meeting (7:00pm) and stay through the educational presentation. You are encouraged, but are not required, to stay for the club business portion of the meeting.
Public-Centered Star Parties
Our most prominent public-centered events occur at River Park and Miller ton Lake, but additional public-centered events (such as for schools) are set up throughout the year and are typically announced during the club business portion of our monthly club meetings. For each event, you are required to stay for a minimum of 90 minutes, starting at the beginning of the observing time.
Dark Sky Star Parties
Our primary viewing location is Eastman Lake, and we recommend centering your dark sky star party requirements around this location.