Space Academy for Leading Students in Alabama (SALSA)
The 2027 SALSA application is now open and closes April 5, 2027, at 11:59 PM.
Get ready to take your giant leap!
Alabama Residents only. Space Academy for Leading Students in Alabama (SALSA) is a state-funded scholarship for students ages 12 to 14 to attend a special session of Space Academy at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville.
- Selected students from each district win a spot at Space Camp® in Huntsville, where they dive into astronaut training, hands-on STEM missions, and teamwork challenges at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center®
- The program spotlights Alabama’s exciting educational resources and helps future explorers launch their journey!
- Spend a week at Space Academy as part of a dynamic team, tackling challenges and mastering STEM skills
- Train like real astronauts in cutting-edge simulators
- Participate in missions to the International Space Station, Moon, or Mars, to hands-on engineering projects and team-building adventures
- Students explore Alabama’s space legacy while discovering careers in science and exploration
Since 1982, Space Camp® has inspired more than 1 million students from around the world in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, while instilling the leadership and teamwork skills that help them succeed in their careers. To learn more about Space Academy®, please click here.
To be eligible for a SALSA scholarship:
- Must be 12 to 14 years old in June 2027
- Must be an Alabama resident
- May not have been awarded a SALSA scholarship previously
You will be notified by email in April if your student is awarded a SALSA scholarship.
The application must be completed in ONE session, so please gather the following before beginning:
- Download and complete this school verification form (You will upload a picture or scanned copy of this completed form)
- Homeschooled? Instead of the school verification form, provide proof of residence (see Homeschool Students: Proof of Residence below).
- Add a recent progress report or report card
- Determine your preferred camp dates. List in order of priority, from first to last.
- WEEK 39: June 20 – 25, 2027
- WEEK 42: July 11 – 16, 2027
- WEEK 43: July 18 – 23, 2027
- Answer 2 questions:
1. Why do you want to attend Space Camp?
2. If you win the scholarship, how will you get to Huntsville?
Homeschool Students: Proof of Residence
Proof of Residence Requirements (click to read)
These are the requirements for applicants who are homeschooled. We based our requirements on what local school districts require as proof of residence.
Please carefully review the following list of documents you will need to provide as proof of residence with your application:
There are different requirements depending on whether you own/rent the property directly or are residing with another person or family. Please see the applicable section below:
- Parent/Guardian Owns or Rents Property:
- The parent/guardian who owns or rents the property must provide two (2) current, valid documents as proof of residence:
- Document 1 (Choose ONE of the following):
- Signed lease agreement
- Copy of the property deed
- Current mortgage statement
- Notarized letter from the property manager (must include the parent’s/guardian’s name)
- Document 2:
- A utility bill (e.g., water, gas, electricity), cable bill, or land line telephone bill addressed to the parent or guardian at the address being established as residence. This bill must be dated within the last 30 days.
- Parent/Guardian Living with Another Person or Family:
- If the parent/guardian is living with another person or family, the following documents are required:
- From the Owner/Renter of the Property:
- Document 1 (Choose ONE of the following):
- Signed lease agreement
- Copy of the property deed
- Current mortgage statement
- Letter from the property manager (must include the owner’s/renter’s name)
- Document 2:
- A utility bill (e.g., water, gas, electricity), cable bill, or land line telephone bill addressed to the owner/renter at the address being established as residence. This bill must be dated within the last 30 days.
- Document 1 (Choose ONE of the following):
- From the Applying Parent/Guardian:
- An official document addressed to the parent/guardian at the shared residence address. Examples of official documents include (but are not limited to) : mail from a government agency, bank statement, or insurance document.
- Additional Requirement:
- Both the applying parent/guardian and the owner/renter of the property must sign appropriate affidavits. These affidavits will be provided during the registration process.
Once you have all your information, you are ready to submit your application!
SALSA FAQs
What is SALSA?
SALSA is Space Academy for Leading students in Alabama. Space Academy® trainees learn about the future of space travel and work together to solve problems during a simulated space mission.
How can I apply for SALSA, and what is required to complete the application?
The application link is on the website, and we also require additional documentation such as the school verification form and a recent progress report/report card.
Are homeschool students eligible to apply?
Yes! Homeschool students are welcome to apply. There is additional information required and will be listed on the landing page.
What is included in the SALSA scholarship package?
Full tuition includes curriculum, room & board, meals, t-shirt of the day package, and a Year of Space Camp patch.
If my child or student has already received a general scholarship, are they still eligible to apply for SALSA?
Yes! If the applicant has not received a SALSA scholarship before, they are still eligible to apply.
Where do students stay during camp?
All campers will stay on site in our Habitat facility.
If my child is awarded a SALSA scholarship, can we request a different camp date?
Date selections are first come, first served. SALSA has designated dates for the scholarship. If an applicant is chosen and the date they prefer is full, they will be put on a waiting list for that date.
Need more help? Contact Us
1-800-637-7223 Option 1.
If you have any issues, please email us at salsa@spacecamp.com