Creating Future Explorers and Innovators: NASA's Education Program
- Paper number
IAC-07-E1.5.02
- Author
Ms. Angela Phillips Diaz, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Thomas Clausen, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/Ames Research Center, United States
- Year
2007
- Abstract
As America continues to develop its capacity to explore space "for the benefit of all mankind," NASA's Vision for Space Exploration provides a long-range road map to carry the United States and her partners to a future where humans will return to the Moon by 2020 and then to Mars and the far reaches of the solar system to explore, discover, and learn. In sustaining this effort over the coming decades, NASA has developed an Education Strategic Plan that addresses anticipated shortages of a high caliber technical workforce. Since its inception in 1958, NASA's missions have inspired students to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The NASA Education Strategic Plan provides focused efforts through a portfolio of programs to advance this outcome. The Education Framework identifies target audiences, specific outcome measures as well as operating principles that drive NASA's Education investments. Programs have been initiated to address education issues including teacher training, curriculum development, partnerships, collaborations, internships, and student involvement. Each of NASA's Education programs is designed to meet one of three outcomes: 1. Contribute to the development of the STEM workforce in disciplines needed to achieve NASA's strategic goals, 2. Attract and retain students in STEM disciplines through a progression of educational opportunities for students, teachers and faculty, and, 3. Build strategic partnerships and linkages between STEM formal and informal education providers that promote STEM literacy and awareness of NASA's mission. In addressing these outcomes, NASA has developed a diverse portfolio of education programs that each map to one of four categories of involvement: Inspire, Engage, Educate, and Employ. This Education Strategic Framework provides a holistic view of all NASA education programs. Examples of programs in each area will be discussed as well as results and metrics that demonstrate program effectiveness.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-07-E1.5.02.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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