The 2026 Space Entrepreneur Summer Academy Comes to a Close

This summer, Expanding Frontiers welcomed a new group of high school students to the Space Entrepreneur Summer Academy. Over the course of the program, students worked on their ideas, learned from guests who shared their experience, and built toward a final presentation in front of a panel of judges.

SESA is designed to give students a real look at what it takes to turn an idea into something more. They spent their time developing concepts, working through problems, and preparing to present their work. Along the way, they gained confidence and picked up skills that will follow them well beyond the program.

What stood out most was the growth. Students who were unsure at the start finished the program standing in front of a room, presenting what they had built. That kind of change in just a few weeks is the reason we do this work.

The program came to a close with graduation, where students presented their final projects and were recognized for everything they accomplished. Watching them cross that finish line, proud of what they had done, made the entire summer worth it.

None of this happens alone. We are grateful to our speakers for sharing their time with our students, and to the local businesses whose support kept the program running. Their generosity reached every student who walked through our doors.

To the SESA 2026 class, congratulations. We cannot wait to see where you go next.