The US Department of Education and NASA have joined forces to ignite a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) in young minds through after-school programs. This ambitious initiative, announced on September 23rd, aims to engage around 1,000 students in over 60 cities across 10 states, providing them with a unique opportunity to dive into the world of space exploration and discovery.
The program kicked off at the Wheatley Education Campus in Washington, D.C., where students heard firsthand about the collaboration from Kris Brown, Deputy Assistant Administrator of NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, and Cindy Marten, Deputy Secretary of the US Department of Education. “Through this collaboration between the US Department of Education and NASA, we are unlocking limitless opportunities for students to explore, innovate, and thrive in STEM fields,” said Cindy Marten, highlighting the transformative potential of the program.
At the heart of the initiative is NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, which will provide a wealth of resources and expertise. These include NASA-related content, engaging academic projects, in-person staff training, continuous program support, and the invaluable opportunity for students to connect with real-life NASA scientists and engineers.
The program is designed to challenge students to think critically, be creative, and solve real-world problems that NASA engineers and scientists face daily. These hands-on design challenges will spark curiosity and empower students to develop the skills they need to become future leaders in STEM fields.
“Together with the Education Department, NASA aims to create a brighter future for the next generation of explorers,” said NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, emphasizing the program’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators. She added, “We are committed to supporting after-school programs across the country with tools to engage students in the excitement of NASA. Through STEM investments like this, we aspire to ignite curiosity, nurture potential, and inspire our nation’s future researchers, explorers, and innovators.”
This partnership builds upon a strong foundation of collaboration established in 2023 when the US Department of Education and NASA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance STEM education access for students and schools across the country. This latest initiative, supported by a Space Act Agreement signed in 2024, further strengthens this commitment.
NASA’s STEM program is tailored to diverse age groups and interests, offering a variety of engaging activities and resources. The program is divided into three categories: for students, for educators, and for colleges and universities. For students, the program offers a range of experiences from hands-on activities for elementary schoolers to college-level research opportunities. Educators can access valuable resources and training to enhance their STEM curriculum and engage students in exciting new ways.
For students, teachers, and parents seeking to explore this exciting opportunity, more information can be found on the official websites of NASA and the Department of Education. This initiative marks a significant step towards ensuring a bright future for STEM education in the United States, inspiring a new generation of explorers and innovators to reach for the stars.
