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Education Associates Program

"To be honest, I was shocked .... I thought all the (NASA) scientists would be formal, serious people. But they were young, crazy and full of energy. I think it made for a fun and motivating work environment. ... I got more than I imagined just by coming here!" (Kristopher Matthews, Education Associate, University of California, Santa Cruz)

Overview

NASA's Education Associates program offers college and university students and faculty the opportunity to experience science and technology in the unique environment of NASA. It will be a hands-on experience at a NASA center working with NASA scientists, engineers and program managers on a NASA project. The projects will run the gambit of NASA's missions -- from the space shuttle to exploring the solar system, from exploring extreme environments on earth to research aircraft. In every case, it will be an opportunity to apply classroom theory to real-world problems -- making science relevant, exciting and fun. The program also affords students with the opportunity to explore themselves and consider their futures. At the same time, NASA project leaders capture the benefits of curious minds and eager hands of these students. Perhaps the biggest benefit is that the nation will reap the benefit of a larger and better trained cadre of scientists and engineers for the future.

Background

The Ames Education Associates Program was launched in May of 1998 as a cooperative program between Ames Research Center and the University of California under the education and training authorities in the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Act (PL 100-147). The program is now administered by the National Space Grant Foundation which represents the 52 State Space Grant College Consortia that were established by the Space Grant Act. The objectives of the cooperative program are to:

1. Help address the national need for future scientists and engineers;
2. Provide NASA with a way to tap the talents of students and faculty at universities;
3. Provide students and faculty the chance to experience NASA; and
4. Provide colleges and universities with associated partnership benefits.

Some 600 Education Associates (EAs) have participated in the program working with over 250 sponsors and untold numbers of other NASA personnel. The EAs come from 119 different colleges and universities from across the nation. Nearly 10% of the participants have taken jobs with NASA or NASA contractors as a direct result of their experience. As one person at NASA headquarters recently said, "Education Associates is the best human capital program we have." (Click here to view more statistical information about the program.)

Who is eligible?

• Enrolled students at any accredited US college or university
• Faculty members at any accredited US college or university
• Post doctoral fellows, and
• Active K-12 teachers

What are the preferred educational backgrounds?

Science, engineering and technology fields are the predominant areas of opportunity; however, a significant number of positions in the social sciences, business, communications and graphic arts have been filled.

Where are the positions?

All positions are at NASA centers or NASA field projects. At this time, most positions are at Ames Research Center in California. However, other NASA centers are expected to become more active in the near future.

What are the positions?

Education Associates can work on literally any project at NASA from the full spectrum of the NASA's Missions:

• Space Shuttle and International Space Station
• Looking at the Earth
• Exploring our Solar System
• Space Science & Technology
• Deep Space Missions
• Research Aircraft

How long are the Appointments?

Education Associate Appointment for a minimum of 2 months and a maximum of 12 months.

Other Requirements

• Citizenship -- must be a US academic or a permanent resident alien.
• Credit -- students must receive credit for their experience.
• On-site -- the experience must be at a NASA center or field operation.

Training Awards

Education Associates receive a "Space Grant Training Award" that is based on the educational level of the student and the amount of time devoted to the project. Additional information is available on the Student page.

Year-round

The program operates year round and appointments can start and stop at any time during the year.

Students and faculty -- click here if you are interested in applying.
Click here to learn more information about the National Space Grant Foundation.