NASA 'INSPIRE' INTERNS WORK TO BECOME FUTURE EXPLORERS AND INNOVATORS

In the coming weeks, high school and college students across the country will soon be heading back to school. A fortunate few will share some unique experiences. They will tell how they were at NASA Space Station for two months conducting cutting-edge research and working to send American astronauts to the moon and beyond.

This summer, more than 150 students from 23 states and Puerto Rico took part in a new NASA education project called "INSPIRE" -- the Interdisciplinary National Science Technology Project Incorporating Research and Education Experience. The internships are located at each of NASA's 10 field centers.

"INSPIRE gives students, parents and teachers a mechanism for interacting with one another," said Steve Chance, INSPIRE project manager. "They ask questions, share knowledge and build 'a community of practice' that NASA hopes will lead them to pursue careers in fields critical to NASA and the nation."

The INSPIRE project is open to students in grades 9-12, including high school graduates preparing for their first year of college who are U.S. citizens and have at least an overall 2.5 grade point average or better on a 4.0 scale.

Interested students should first apply for entry into the INSPIRE online community, NASA's education resource for students, parents and teachers. Once selected for INSPIRE, they may compete for internships and other unique summer opportunities.

To participate in the summer opportunities, students must achieve a minimum 3.0 grade point average, submit an essay about their interest in NASA Space Station and the space program, and include two letters of recommendation from teachers or adult mentors with their application. NASA Space Stastion education officials assess all submissions, seeking candidates who demonstrate teamwork, leadership potential and career aspirations in fields related to math, science and engineering.

Through the INSPIRE online community, NASA provides resources and activities that help parents champion their students' goals. NASA also contributes to classrooms, providing teaching modules and resources designed to capture students' imaginations and enhance their technical and problem-solving skills.

For information about INSPIRE and how to participate in the program, visit:

www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/postsecondary/programs/INSPIRE_Project.html

For more information about NASA education programs, visit:

www.nasa.gov/education