Children studying in American schools will go one step ahead! NASA will provide training

NASA Programs for School Students: The US Department of Education has joined hands with the country’s space agency ‘National Aeronautics and Space Administration’ (NASA) to teach science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to students under the ‘after-school program’. According to NASA, the aim of this initiative is to reach about 1,000 students in more than 60 cities in 10 states of America.
NASA and the US Department of Education launched the program on Monday at the Wheatley Education Campus in the capital Washington DC. Chris Brown, Deputy Assistant Administrator of NASA’s STEM Engagement Office, and Cindy Marten, Deputy Secretary of the US Department of Education, told the students about this initiative. Cindy said, “Through this collaboration between the Department of Education and NASA, we are creating unlimited opportunities for students to research, innovate and thrive in STEM fields.”

What will students learn during the program?

NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland will provide space agency-related content, academic projects, staff training, program support and opportunities for students to meet space agency scientists and engineers. Through the space agency’s Project Design Challenges, students will learn to use their critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills to solve real-world challenges similar to those faced by NASA engineers and scientists.

NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy said, “Together with the Department of Education, NASA aims to build a brighter future for the next generation of explorers. We are committed to supporting after-school programs across the country that give students the opportunity to learn about what it is like at NASA. By investing in programs like this, we are not only stimulating curiosity among students, but also inspiring our nation’s researchers, explorers and innovators.”

What is NASA’s STEM program?

In 2023, NASA and the US Department of Education signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide the best STEM and space education for students and schools in the US. NASA’s STEM program is divided into three categories, which include different programs for students, teachers and colleges and universities. The program to be run for students under the ‘after-school program’ to be run after the completion of school studies is also divided into four parts.

The program, called Space to Play!, is for students in grades K-4, the program, called Out-of-this-World Stuff!, is for students in grades 5 through 8, Experience NASA for grades 9 through 12, and Explore Opportunities for college students.