From Vision to Implementation -- NASA's Education Framework and Real World Application

Paper number

IAC-08.E1.2.5

Author

Ms. Angela Phillips Diaz, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, United States

Year

2008

Abstract

The celebration of NASA’s 50th anniversary recognizes the triumphs and tragedies in the realm of exploration.  Great scientists and engineers enabled engineering feats and scientific discoveries e.g. the Hubble Space Telescope, the Space Shuttle, the International Space Station, and the Mars Rovers Spirit and Opportunity.  Teams of highly educated and well-prepared individuals are the foundation for such historic accomplishments.  As we look to the next 50 years, a highly educated and well prepared workforce is critical for our 21st century exploration and discoveries.

In 2006, NASA developed an Education Strategic Plan designed to apply the same rigor and structure that NASA applies in its science and engineering enterprise to its education enterprise.  In the case of education, a successful NASA Education Strategic Plan addresses projected shortages of a high caliber technical workforce.  The NASA Education Strategic Plan guides focused efforts through a portfolio of programs to advance the outcome of attracting and retaining a proficient workforce able to execute missions in the fields of aeronautics, science, exploration, and space operations.  NASA’s education programs and projects are aligned to the NASA Education Strategic Plan and its Education Strategic Framework. The Education Framework identifies target audiences, specific outcome measures as well as operating principles that drive NASA’s Education investments. The Framework “pyramid” maps to one of four categories of involvement: Inspire, Engage, Educate, and Employ.  The Education Framework provides a holistic view and approach to NASA’s entire education portfolio with the objective of attracting and retaining the next generation of explorers and innovators..

In 2008, the California Space Authority adopted the NASA Education Framework typology (inspire, engage, educate, and employ) to guide its California Space Education Workforce Initiative.  The NASA Education Framework is demonstrating its applicability to stakeholders focused on strategic, systemic approaches to enlarging the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) pipeline.  This systemic approach enables all stakeholders to see their place and role in the overall Framework while providing a check and balance relative to investment based on alignment and impact through measurable, defined metrics.

Abstract document

IAC-08.E1.2.5.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.E1.2.5.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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