Six programs exist which permit the scientific community to participate in Kepler's voyage of discovery. These programs are listed below with links for additional details.

(1) Guest Observer Program: Members of the community can propose their own observations with Kepler on an annual cycle for astrophysics investigations. This opportunity is funded through NASA's Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) omnibus solicitation.

(2) Director's Discretionary Targets: Between the annual funded Guest Observer solicitations, a small number of observations may be proposed on a quarterly basis. This unfunded opportunity is managed by the Guest Observer Office.

(3) Kepler Asteroseismic Science Consortium: Collects and analyzes Kepler data focused on asteroseismology and stellar pulsations. Any member of the community may join and contribute to KASC.

(4) Astrophysical Data and Analysis Program: Research involving Kepler's archived public data is funded through NASA's annual Astrophysics Data Analysis Program (ADAP).

(5) Kepler Public Data: All archived public data is available for download, through the Kepler archive at MAST.

(6) Participating Scientist Program: NASA's has selected two groups of scientists in 2008 and 2011 to augment the scientific expertise of the Kepler Science Team. Additional calls may be forthcoming, subject to funding.