Nichelle Nichols made history on screen, and now, even three years after her passing, her legacy continues to open doors for young women through science and space exploration.
In January 2026, the Nichelle Nichols Foundation will officially launch the Nichelle Nichols Space Camp, a weekend-long immersive program for teen girls ages 14 to 18. The camp will take place at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and aims to encourage future leaders in STEM through hands-on learning experiences rooted in the spirit of Star Trek’s Starfleet Academy.
The camp is designed to bring Nichols’ lifelong commitment to diversity, exploration, and education full circle. Activities include lunar gravity simulations, rocket-building, 3D printing for space technology, simulated Mars missions, and leadership training. One unique component allows participants to roleplay a first contact scenario with a new extraterrestrial species—mirroring the groundbreaking communication work of Nichols’ iconic Star Trek character, Lt. Nyota Uhura.
The camp runs from January 17–19, 2026, and is capped at 16 participants to ensure a more personalized and impactful experience. Tuition is $2,000 with financial aid and scholarships available through the foundation.
The program is being created in collaboration with the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, which has operated Space Camp since 1982. This initiative marks the first time the center will host a custom space camp experience honoring a television and science pioneer.
Serving as cadet coordinator and mentor will be Star Trek: Prodigy voice actor Bonnie Gordon, whose passion for space, science, and mentorship aligns closely with the camp’s mission. Gordon will help guide participants through the full weekend of training, teamwork, and discovery.
The Nichelle Nichols Space Camp is a natural extension of the foundation’s mission to empower young leaders, especially girls and students from historically underrepresented communities. Nichols spent much of her career beyond acting pushing for diversity in space exploration, playing a key role in helping NASA recruit women and people of color into its astronaut program—including Sally Ride, the first American woman in space.
From recruiting astronauts to inspiring generations of women in STEM, Nichols helped reshape what was possible both on screen and off. Her ashes were launched into space shortly after her passing, making her a permanent part of the cosmos she championed. Now, through this camp, her legacy continues to uplift and expand.
Registration for the Nichelle Nichols Space Camp is now open at nichellefoundation.org. Eligible applicants can also request financial aid by emailing info@nichellenichols.foundation.