NASAs education programs inspire interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among Americas youth and have a positive impact on the number of students who are proficient in STEM and choose to pursue careers in STEM fields. NASA increases the pool of future STEM workers, thus contributing to the workforce of the future by attracting and retaining students in STEM disciplines. With these efforts in STEM education, NASA helps the United States remain globally competitive and sustain a strong national economy. NASA Education accomplishes its mission through mutually beneficial relationships with over 500 colleges and universities, hundreds of elementary and secondary schools and school districts, and over 400 museums and science centers. NASA works through communities of practice to identify content areas and special events that supplement programming offered by informal education organizations. These relationships provide educational experiences that engage Americans in NASAs mission, while building strategic partnerships that promote STEM literacy.
NASA provides practical experience and STEM skills development through internships, fellowships, and student research opportunities. NASA attracts students to pursue STEM study and careers through its remarkable missions, by fostering collaborative relationships between students and the current workforce, and offering students opportunities to work in facilities that provide excellent learning experiences. Additionally, hands-on challenges with expert mentors generate increased interest in undergraduate STEM study, thereby increasing the number of students who seek employment in aerospace or related STEM fields.
Education staff at NASA Centers work with professional organizations, academia, local state departments of education and school districts to identify and address content needs and opportunities in STEM education. They also work with university partners to ensure that NASA investments will be effective in improving STEM teaching methods.
In FY 2013, NASA will refine the focus of its STEM education program by:
- Focusing competitive opportunities for learners and educators on middle school pre- and in- service educator professional development;
- Providing experiential opportunities, internships, and scholarships for high school and undergraduate students;
- Using NASAs unique missions, discoveries, and assets to inspire student achievement and educator teaching ability in STEM fields; and
- Aligning projects and activities with the five-year STEM strategic plan issued by the Office of Science and Technology Policy Committee on STEM.
NASA will also increase its role in national and state STEM policy discussions and place more emphasis on project evaluation, and external, independent evaluation and assessment, to ensure that investments are providing desirable STEM impacts.