SA Teen Jiya Bhoola Reaches for the Stars at NASA’s United Space School Programme

Photo Credit: Supplied by Vani Bhoola

Selected as one of just two students from South Africa and 50 worldwide, 17-year-old space enthusiast Jiya Bhoola is reaching new heights at the United Space School in Houston!

Houston, Texas (22 July 2026) – Ever since she was five years old, when she first laid eyes on what she thought was a shooting star (but turned out to be a satellite), Jiya Bhoola has been fascinated by space and its many marvels.

Now 17, her curiosity hasn’t dimmed. She has fully immersed herself in learning all she can about space and the innovative technology that allows scientists and engineers to keep making discoveries.

She’s had the opportunity to meet astronaut Nicole Stott during her visit to Dainfern College, while a trip to NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre cemented her love for Aeronautical Engineering.

A recent visit to the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) in Sutherland further strengthened her drive. Jiya found herself captivated by the engineering behind the telescope, from the precision of its mirrors to the movement of the dome and the careful temperature controls protecting the equipment.

More recently, while scrolling on the internet, Jiya discovered the United Space School Program hosted by the Foundation for International Space Education (FISE) at NASA in Houston, Texas. The international initiative brings together high-performing pre-university students from around the world for an intensive, space-focused academic experience.

Participants are required to collaborate in international teams, engage with aerospace professionals, and work towards designing a simulated manned Mission to Mars – a challenge that demands scientific insight, creative problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork.

Intrigued by the opportunity, Jiya emailed FISE Houston, and from there she was directed to FISE South Africa.

Jiya’s mother, Vani Bhoola, tells us that the application process involved Jiya sharing about her academic achievements, passion for mathematics and science, leadership in robotics, discipline in Music, international experience, and personal ambitions in space and technology.

Jiya currently serves as Robotics Captain at Steyn City School and has represented both her school and South Africa internationally, including at the World Robotics Olympiad European Open Championship in Italy in 2024.

Her impressive application also highlighted her academic excellence, creativity, music, her placing in the top 3 of the SACEE writing competition and her commitment to community service.

“She was ultimately selected as one of only two students representing South Africa and one of 50 students worldwide,” Vani says.

Receiving the confirmation was ‘an absolute dream come true’, as Jiya puts it.

“I was stunned when I received the acceptance email, and I read it several times because I could hardly believe I had been chosen. I was overwhelmed with emotion. My mum burst into tears, and my dad and brothers immediately hugged me. It is one thing to dream about an achievement like this, but when it actually happens, it feels unreal until the moment is upon you. Once the emails from Houston started arriving, I was awestruck. The assignments, together with regular contact from Houston, made me feel incredibly privileged, and as I began working through them, everything started to feel real,” Jiya says.

Leading up to the programme, she needed to balance her schoolwork, NASA assignments, music and band commitments, and her responsibilities to her school robotics team.

Jiya is currently in Houston. She arrived on 19 July and will return on 5 August 2026. During the two-week programme, students are divided into five groups, with each group responsible for a different part of designing a simulated ‘Manned Mission to Mars’. The students will work alongside NASA engineers, scientists and aerospace professionals, gaining exposure to scientific thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, leadership and creativity.

For Jiya, whose ambition is to work in Quantum Computing and Aerospace, and ultimately contribute to NASA’s exploration of these frontiers, this opportunity represents far more than an academic milestone. It is the realisation of a long-held dream and proof that curiosity, discipline, and courage can open doors far beyond the classroom.

“The opportunity to learn from NASA engineers, scientists, and fellow students from around the world is both inspiring and humbling. I look forward to gaining knowledge, building meaningful connections, and broadening my perspective in ways that will shape my future aspirations in science and technology. I am truly honoured, excited and humbled to represent my school, community and country. It is a moment I will never forget.”

Vani says her daughter’s work ethic and achievements brought immense pride to her family.

“She is hardworking, organised and deeply dedicated, and she pursues her goals with such passion and determination. Watching her achieve this has been incredibly moving for all of us. It feels as though she has been working towards this moment for much of her life without even knowing it.”

Jiya’s journey is an inspiring example for younger learners who may wonder whether ambitious dreams are within reach.

Jiya’s story shows that the path to global opportunity begins with everyday choices: asking difficult questions, working hard when no one is watching, embracing both success and uncertainty, and believing that young South Africans have a place in the future of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and space exploration.