NASA - Education Programs

NASA Education
"NASA's journeys into air and space have deepened humankind's understanding of the universe, advanced technology breakthroughs, enhanced air travel safety and security, and expanded the frontiers of scientific research. These accomplishments share a common genesis: education. As the United States begins the second century of flight, the Nation must maintain its commitment to excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education to ensure that the next generation of Americans can accept the full measure of their roles and responsibilities in shaping the future. NASA will continue the Agency's tradition of investing in the Nation's education programs and supporting the country's educators who play a key role in preparing, inspiring, exciting, encouraging, and nurturing the young minds of today who will be the workforce of tomorrow.

In today and beyond, NASA will continue to pursue three major education goals:
          -- Strengthening NASA and the Nation's future workforce
          -- Attracting and retaining students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, disciplines
          -- Engaging Americans in NASA's mission" ... more

NASA Education Links
NASA's Education Program For Educators - NASA's Education Program For Students

The NASA/JPL Education Office
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is NASA's lead center for the robotic exploration of space. JPL and NASA support many educational programs through the Education and Public Outreach Office.

The educational materials at JPL are linked to our missions and projects. Our unique missions and projects cover a broad range of topics including Earth Science, robotics, Spaceflight, the Origins of Life and the Universe, and the Solar System to mention just a few." ... more

The NASA/JPL Education Office links
Students - Teachers - Internships & Fellowships at JPL - Higher Education - Informal Education

The Goddard Space Flight Center High School
"The center's internship opportunities are designed to provide high school, undergraduate and graduate students with experiences that motivate and prepare them for careers aligned with Goddard and its industry and university partners.

NASA One Stop Shopping Initiative (OSSI)
OSSI is a platform that provides a NASA-wide system for science and engineering mentors to announce their internship and fellowship opportunities. OSSI also formalizes the transition of student participants in NASA programs into the NASA workforce, the aerospace industry and academia.

Student On-Line Application for Recruiting Interns (SOLAR)
In the spirit of providing students unique and exciting experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math professions, we are pleased to announce our new approach to the intern application process: the Student On-Line Application for Recruiting Interns, Fellows and Scholars system, otherwise known as the SOLAR system. ... more

Goddard Internships for High School Students
This system is a Goddard-specific utility to accept high school student applications. The Goddard Space Flight Center High School Intern Programs engage interns in applications of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), as well as other subject areas, in a research-focused work environment at Goddard. Student interns learn and apply research protocols and processes related to Earth- and space-systems science, computer science, engineering and technology. Knowledge of computer applications is essential for all placements. Biological laboratory experiences are generally not available." ... more

Robotics Alliance Project
The NASA Robotics Education Project (REP) is dedicated to encouraging people to become involved in science and engineering, particularly robotics.

REP works to capture the educational potential of NASA's robotics missions by supporting educational robotics competitions and events, facilitating robotics curriculum enhancements at all educational levels, and maintaining a web site clearinghouse of robotics education information." ... more

The NASA Academy
"The Academies are intensive educational programs emphasizing group activities, teamwork, research, and creativity. The curriculum balances direct contact with science and engineering R & D with an awareness of the managerial, political, financial, social, and human issues faced by aerospace professionals. Included are seminars, informal discussions, evening lectures, supervised research, visits to other NASA Centers and facilities, group project/s, tours, posters/presentations, and assessment. Additionally, most weekends are filled with group activities, team building, and off-site trips. One free weekend is scheduled.

The Academy is not a 9-5 summer research internship program. It is a rigorous, immersive experience that will challenge you. The academy is a space-themed program of high learning about NASA, its projects and collaborations with aerospace industry and academia, with very little down time, but a busy, exciting summer that you will not forget

The Academies have separate focus areas of leadership (NASA Academy), robotics, and propulsion." ... more

From, The NASA Academy
Robotics and International Space links
NASA Robotics Academy Alumni Association - We Want our Future - Botball Robot Competition - FIRST - International Space University

The NASA Robotics Academy
"The Academies are intensive educational programs emphasizing group activities, teamwork, research, and creativity. The curriculum balances direct contact with science and engineering R & D with an awareness of the managerial, political, financial, social, and human issues faced by aerospace professionals. Included are seminars, informal discussions, evening lectures, supervised research, visits to other NASA Centers and facilities, group project/s, tours, posters/presentations, and assessment. Additionally, most weekends are filled with group activities, team building, and off-site trips. One free weekend is scheduled.

The Academy is not a 9-5 summer research internship program. It is a rigorous, immersive experience that will challenge you. The academy is a space-themed program of high learning about NASA, its projects and collaborations with aerospace industry and academia, with very little down time, but a busy, exciting summer that you will not forget

The Academies have separate focus areas of leadership (NASA Academy), robotics, and propulsion." ... more

From, The NASA Robotics Academy
Robotics and International Space links
NASA Robotics Academy Alumni Association - We Want our Future - Botball Robot Competition - FIRST - International Space University

The NASA Propulsion Academy
"The NASA Propulsion Academy, at the Marshall Space Flight Center, is a 10-week, residential summer research and educational experience for high achieving sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students interested in propulsion.

The emphasis is on preparing young professionals for employment in aerospace positions.

Propulsion is a critical element in NASA's exploration program. Many current and future propulsion technologies are being designed and developed by engineers at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and by its contractors.

The Propulsion Academy program is utilizing this development as a training ground for university students who are interested in careers in this exciting field. Research Associates (interns) will work in teams of four, guided by propulsion engineers at Marshall, local commercial entities, and local universities. Each team is composed of a "team lead" and three research associates. The team lead is an advanced undergraduate or graduate student with a demonstrated background in leadership.

The research associates are undergraduate or graduate students with some background or demonstrated interest in propulsion. Site visits, tours, and lectures will demonstrate the various opportunities for employment in the space propulsion field. These visits will expose the research associates to state-of-the-art propulsion development. Tours of local facilities and lectures by experts in propulsion will provide one-on-one interaction with practicing propulsion engineer" ... more

From, The NASA Propulsion Academy
Robotics and International Space links
NASA Robotics Academy Alumni Association - We Want our Future - Botball Robot Competition - FIRST - International Space University

The NASA Academy at Glenn Research Center
"The NASA Academy for Space Exploration is an intensive resident summer insitute of higher learning designed to guide the future leaders of the United States space programs by exposing them to many facets of NASA and other sectors of the aerospace industry. This unique and prestigious internship program is designed for talented college upper-level undergraduate students and graduate students interested in pursuing professional and leadership careers in space-related fields.

The NASA Academy program is designed to present a broad picture of the organization of the NASA agency, and some of its most important current and planned science, engineering, education, and technology enterprises. Additionally, it presents a number of non-technical areas of critical significance, such as management, budgeting, safety, personnel and career development, leadership, space law, and international cooperation Students conduct supervised research in GRC laboratories, attend lectures and workshops, and participate in visits to other NASA Centers and space-related laboratories and industries.

NASA Academy provides immersive and integrated multidisciplinary exposure and training for students with various backgrounds and career aspirations. The academic curriculum balances opportunities for direct contact with advanced science and engineering research and development and an awareness of the complex managerial, political, financial, social, and human issues faced by the past, present, and future aerospace programs." ... more

The NASA Space Academy at Glenn Research Center
"The NASA Space Academy at Glenn Research Center offers an immersive and integrated multidisciplinary exposure and training, for students with various backgrounds and career aspirations of critical importance to the National Aerospace program. The academic curriculum balances opportunities for direct contact with advanced science and engineering research and technology, and an awareness of the complex managerial, political, financial, social, and human issues faced by the current and future Aerospace programs.

Co-sponsorship of the Space Academy assures recruitment of meritorious students from previously under-represented areas of the country, into leadership positions for Aerospace programs of the future. A national educational, training, and research resource for college undergraduate and graduate students, dedicated to promoting current and future opportunities for innovation and leadership in aerospace-related careers." ... more

The NASA Aeronautics Academy at Glenn Research Center

"The NASA Aeronautics Academy at Glenn Research Center offers an integrated multidisciplinary exposure and training for students with various backgrounds and career aspirations of critical importance to the National Aeronautics and related disciplines program. The goal is to prepare the requisite workforce of young professionals for employment in aeronautics careers.

The Academy curriculum balances opportunities for direct experience in advanced science and engineering Research and Technology, and an awareness of the complex managerial, political, financial, social, and human issues faced by current and future aerospace programs. The national Space Grant Consortia’s co-sponsorship of the Academy assures recruitment of meritorious students from previously under-represented areas of the country, into leadership positions for aerospace programs of the future.

The Aeronautics Academy research associates receive training in integrated systems research, project management, leadership, teamwork and multidisciplinary collaboration. Participants of the Aeronautics Academy must be enrolled in Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering or related disciplines. The research associates work as groups of teams on multidisciplinary and multifaceted problems guided by professional scientists and engineers. Broader exposure to NASA’s industry partners is achieved by visits to the partners and national laboratories, during the internship." ... more

NASA Academy at Ames for Space Exploration Mission Statement
"The goal of the Academy is to inspire gifted students to become leaders in the aerospace program. Its primary objectives are to:
          1)  Provide upper level undergraduate/first year graduate students cutting-edge research opportunities with NASA scientists, engineers, and educators,
          2)  Provide opportunities for leadership development, teamwork, and relationship building,
          3)  Connect to communities at different places in the educational pipeline through special projects and outreach efforts, especially to under represented student populations,and
          4)  Link Academy alumni to future hiring opportunities within NASA and throughout the space program.

The NASA Academy program is committed to providing a strong technical foundation through which leadership potential can develop among an academically strong and diverse student population. Upon graduation, students immediately find themselves within a latticed network of support from the NASA Academy Alumni Association (NAAA).This structure helps place the students in positions of employment within NASA and in related industries.

Our intent is to cast a wider net to minority serving institutions so that qualified but previously under represented student populations make up a larger percentage of Academy applicants and RAs. In recent years percentages of minority populations have hovered between19-26%. Our goal is to increase the opportunities by attracting highly qualified students who may never have heard of the Academy through current recruitment procedures. Alumni and NASA scientists are encouraged to promote the NASA Academy while giving general public talks and when visiting campuses to work with academic colleagues.

The vision of the Academy as described by its founder, Dr. Gerald Soffen is "To give possible leaders a view into how NASA, the university community, and the private sector function, set their priorities, and contribute to the success of the aerospace program." In today's world, the need for such an opportunity is even more compelling. NASA needs inspired and educated youth eager to take usto the Moon, to Mars, and to study all that lies beyond."... more

The Lunar and Planetary Science Academy (LPSA)
"The Lunar and Planetary Science Academy (LPSA) is a highly selective, intensive ten-week summer internship program that focuses on individual research in the field of Planetary Science, leadership and networking. NASA LPSA was founded in 2009 by Dr. Cynthia Cheung and Mr. David Rossage.

Approximately twenty interns from all over the United States gather in Maryland to conduct independent research supervised by a NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Scientist. They range from recent graduates of high school to first and second year graduate students. While doing their own research, the interns attend talks and workshops with leading scientists in the relevant fields both at NASA Goddard and in the sorority house in which they reside.

During the summer experience, the interns take a trip to an area of geologic interest to conduct in situ research supervised by several NASA scientists. This is an opportunity for the interns to gain real world experience as a field geologist and also to understand the importance Earth analogs and their uses in the planetary sciences.

During their time with NASA LPSA, the interns are able to interface with internationally renowned scientists and they also improve their presentation skills through regular status reports, poster presentations and a final presentation." ... more

Links From LPSA
The Mystery of Racetrack Playa's Sliding Rocks - Scablands Expedition

What is OSSI:SOLAR?
"OSSI:SOLAR is a NASA-wide system for the recruitment, application, selection and career development of undergraduate and graduate students primarily in science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines. Opportunities for students in other disciplines are available.

Key Features for Students Students have the ability to search and apply for all types of NASA internship, fellowship, scholarship opportunities in one system. A single internship or fellowship application places students in the applicant pool for consideration by mentors for all NASA internships or fellowships."... more

Other Util Links
Solar Information - AcademyApp - ASEC - NAAA

NASA Student On-line Research Journal (SORJ) Electronic System
"The two main goals of NASA education program are to "inspire and motivate students to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)" and to "engage the public in NASA's mission by providing new pathways for participation". The cited goals are consistent with Strategic Goal to "Share NASA with the public, educators, and students to provide opportunities to participants in our Mission, Foster innovation, and contribute to a strong national economy" (**). In that regard, NASA annually sponsors a large number of students engaged in NASA Center- and Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)-hosted internships and fellowships in support of the agency's mission and programmatic objectives. NASA's commitment to education emphasizes the above stated goals in a number of ways including, but not limited to:
          -- Enhancing higher education capability in STEM disciplines;
          -- Increasing participation by underrepresented and underserved communities.

NASA Office of Education supports
          -- The agency's strong historical role in education at all levels, with linkages to NASA research as core of the focus;
          -- The work of the Mission Directorates, by managing projects for students and faculty at accredited US STEM-related academic institutions.

The education efforts aim to help create and sustain future NASA and US scientific and engineering workforce. A key focus of the Office of Education is to share with NASA stakeholders and the public the results of NASA-sponsored internships and fellowships. This underscores the purpose of NASA Student On-line Research Journal (SORJ or abbreviated RJ). The RJ is a reservoir of Abstracts of student final internship and fellowship reports and final poster presentations including, where applicable, citations of technical papers derived from the internships and fellowships."... more

Other Util Links
NASA People - NASA Center Education Offices

The Virginia Space Flight Academy
"Established in 1998, The Virginia Space Flight Academy is truly one of a kind, and attracts many return campers year after year. One of its greatest assets is the close proximity of the Wallops Flight Facility, where many of our activities take place. Our buildings are on the campus of the Marine Science Consortium, adjacent to the WFF main gate. Student Dormitories, new for 2010, are state of the art suite like accommodations.

Camp Overview
Our students have the extraordinary opportunity to go behind the scenes at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility where they get an up close look at the United States rocketry program, thanks to our partnerships with NASA, NOAA, MARS, and the US Navy. In addition to a NASA backstage pass, campers collaborate on two major projects: rocketry and robotics. They build and launch several types of model rockets, and work in teams of two or three to build and program small robots using Lego© Mindstorms© NXT systems. By Friday, campers have gained firsthand experience of a wide range of aerospace careers in an atmosphere designed to fuel enthusiasm.

Group Programs
In addition to our regular summer programs, which run from July through August, we now offer weekend and week-long programs for co-ed school groups, scout troops, corporate employees, family reunions, and others. Weekend sessions may cover model rocketry, robotics, flight simulation or other programs such as astronomy, or weather and meteorology. Week-long sessions are based around our summer program, which includes model rocketry, robotics, flight simulation and field trips to operational NASA, NOAA, MARS, and Navy facilities."... more

The National Institute of Aerospace
"NIA conducts a broad range of scientific and engineering research sponsored by NASA, other government agencies, and the aerospace industry. This work is performed by resident scientists and engineers, faculty, students, and consultants in principle areas of investigation to include space exploration, systems engineering, materials science, flight systems, aerodynamics, air traffic management, aviation safety, planetary and space science, and global climate change.

Research programs, led by faculty in residence at NIA, serve as the core of the Institute's academic research program. Through NIA's University Research Program, faculty and students at our member universities collaborate with NASA research leaders in fundamental investigations in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering; materials science; applied mathematics, meteorology and other related fields.

NIA also collaborates with leading research institutions worldwide, including universities, government laboratories, industry, and other non-profit institutes to accomplish its research objectives. NIA conducts applied research with and for the aerospace industry. The industry research programs are often collaborative, involving staff, faculty, students, and NASA colleagues. Through NIA, industrial partners can gain access to LaRC personnel, facilities, and intellectual property.

NIA has significant experience developing innovative space transportation and surface systems to support human lunar and Mars exploration for a variety of NASA missions. We have also developed and applied a wide variety of systems analysis tools and methods for the design of these exploration systems. Our in-residence faculty members have led NASA's Exploration System Architecture Study (ESAS) to define the current lunar architecture and supported the development of NASA's Mars architecture systems and technologies." ... more

The NASA Education Associates Program
"The NASA Education Associates Program (EAP) offers students, post-docs and faculty the opportunity to work with scientists and engineers on NASA projects. The NASA EAP is a unique workforce development program that provides hands-on experience for participants in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and other academic disciplines. The NASA EAP is a year-round program and has a variety of time frames available.

NASA EAP provides a flexible workforce solution for EAP Sponsors while enabling students and faculty to contribute their specialized skills and grow their knowledge while at the same time gaining practical experience in their chosen field or career pathway.

Students and Postdocs
The Education Associates Program is an excellent research and development internship opportunity for students and faculty. NASA EAP is a unique experiential learning program that provides university students and faculty the opportunity to experience NASA and become a critical part of NASA's workforce. As an Educational Associate, you will have the opportunity to participate in a project related to one or more of NASA's core workforce and research competency needs. Students and Faculty from a variety of academic disciplines have the opportunity to participate in NASA EAP. Students and Faculty that have the opportunity to participate in EAP will enhance their academic and professional careers in a wide variety of NASA technical research areas. Students and Faculty will be placed among the workforce to make a difference in aerospace, engineering, space sciences, technology, space administration and other related fields."... more

Imagine the Universe!
"Imagine the Universe! site is intended for students age 14 and up, and for anyone interested in learning about our universe. If you're looking for grade school level astronomy information, please see the StarChild web site.

Imagine the Universe Science
Explore a universe of black holes, dark matter, and quasars... A universe full of extremely high energies, high densities, high pressures, and extremely intense magnetic fields which allow us to test our understanding of the laws of physics. For more advanced articles, try the Science page

Satellites, Data, and Software
Probing the structure and evolution of our Universe and the objects its contains requires, in general, that we make our observations above Earth's absorbing atmosphere. Starting with sounding rocket flights in the late 1940s, scientists have been able to develop ever-better instruments to probe deeper into space and finer into the details of our cosmos. This section will allow you to learn about the satellites and missions which have provided scientists the foundation of "what we know". .... more

NASATalk
"NASATalk promotes NASA initiatives to improve science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.

NASATalk collaboratives and blogs highlight STEM opportunities available through AESP, DLN, NES, and ePDN projects.

We hope that NASATalk inspires you to explore NASA resources, share ideas, join collaboratives, and post your comments. Educators can organize their own online collaborative and publish their own blog on NASATalk."... more

Links From NASATalk
AESP - ePDN - DLN - NASA Summer of Innovation Mini-Grant Program - NASA Explorer Schools -

What are NASA Quest Challenges?
The content of NASA Quest Challenges follows real NASA tasks with the goal of involving young people in developing tomorrow's solutions, while inspiring them towards careers in science and engineering. As students work in teams to mirror NASA career roles, agency experts are available to answer questions and to encourage a proper design process. The interaction with scientists occurs via Q&A, chats, interactive Webcasts, and posted feedback on the Web site.

Typically, each scholastic year offers one or two NASA Quest Challenges each of which typically spans six to eight weeks. The activities are designed around problem-based learning and crafted to assist teachers with the incorporation of the content into their educational standard's requirements.

A typical challenge begins with students receiving a question relating to an actual NASA mission. Students work on preliminary solutions, based on research, as NASA experts provide "real time" critiquing. Final designs are developed after student obtain constructive feedback and encouragement. Both student work and parallel projects at NASA are featured in a live Webcast.

Quest Challenges PRODUCTS?
          -- LCROSS
          -- Astro-Venture
          -- Wings over Mars
          -- Spaceward Bound
          -- The HiRISE camera" ... and much more