Introduction:
Open Science plays a key role in transforming education into a collaborative, inclusive, and globally connected endeavor. The International Astronomy League (LIASTRA Ltda) exemplifies how astronomy-based citizen science can democratize access to knowledge and foster scientific literacy. This study investigates how LIASTRA’s international programs, combining open data, digital tools, and community participation, contribute to educational innovation and engagement in STEM learning.

Methods:
A mixed-methods design was applied, including (1) a bibliometric review of 150 Scopus-indexed publications (2015–2025) on open and citizen science in education, and (2) qualitative case studies of LIASTRA’s initiatives: the Asteroid Search Campaigns, Astronomy Olympiads, Scientific Workshops, Teacher Training Programs, and the Open Sky Virtual Observatory. Data from interviews with 34 educators, students, and institutional partners were analyzed using content analysis and descriptive statistics.

Results:
The findings reveal that open science practices, when integrated into astronomy education, significantly increase STEM engagement and public participation. Over 65% of participants reported higher motivation to pursue science-related careers. Educators identified improvements in inquiry-based teaching, data analysis skills, and collaborative learning.

Conclusion:
LIASTRA’s educational model demonstrates that open data and citizen participation can effectively bridge research and education, promoting inclusivity, digital literacy, and global collaboration. Astronomy thus becomes not only a science of exploration but a pathway for democratizing knowledge, empowering teachers, and inspiring the next generation of global citizens.