Experience NASA
"I knew that this was going to be an awesome experience, and it was all that and more. I only hope to find work this much fun in the future." (Anna Lee Strachan, Education Associate, Harvard University)
Overview
The Ames Education Associates Program is a unique experiential learning program that provides university students and faculty the opportunity to "experience NASA." As an Educational Associate, you will have the opportunity to participate in a project related to one or more of 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
Click here to view the list of current positions.
NOTE: Do not let the limited number of open positions dissuade you from applying. Many sponsors look for great applicants before they file a position. You may be that great applicant.
Who can participate
- Any student or faculty member at any accredited US college or university;
- Any active K-12 teacher; and
- Post doctoral students.
Citizenship requirements
The program is limited to US nationals and permanent resident aliens.
Preferred education backgrounds
The sciences, engineering and technology are the major areas of need and opportunity. However, the program has placed a number of students from the social sciences, business, communications, and arts and humanities.
Program requirements
- Participate in and contribute to a project at a NASA facility;
- Receive credit for the experience (academic credit is preferred, please make arrangements with your advisor in advance);
- Submit and keep weekly reports;
- Complete and submit a final report;
- Participate in seminars and other educational events at NASA; and
- After completion of the program, we encourage participants to engage in public education and outreach functions after completion.
Timing
The program operates year round and positions may start and end at any time.
Commitment
- The minimum appointment is 2 months with a maximum of 12 months, and
- Positions may be part- or full-time ranging from 8 to 40 hours per week.
Selection
All selections of Education Associates(EAs) are made by the NASA scientists and managers who sponsor positions and who are responsible for the projects on which EAs work. The selections are made from the pool of candidates on the basis of how well their experience, interests and skills match to position requirements. We encourage you to be very careful and thoughtful in completing your application to assure you receive full consideration.
Space Grant Stipends
Students receive a Space Grant Training Award (stipend) based on their educational level and the level of commitment. Faculty and post doctoral payments are negotiable. Student stipends are viewed as scholarships and are expected to defray most of a student's expenses associated with participation in the program, including travel and living expenses. The current stipends for students are:
| Educational Level | Stipend (Full-time/month) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduates | $1,650 |
| Masters | $1,950 |
| Ph.D. | $2,250 |
Housing
There is low-cost housing available at Ames Research Center. The rooms have private baths, a refrigerator, and a microwave. They do not have a television or telephone. The cost is $38 a day but it is possible to share a room and reduce the cost to $19 a day (with a student ID card). No card, no discount. In addition, the housing facility has two full kitchens and a laundry facility. There is also off-site housing relatively close by and reasonable public transportation in the Mountain View area. Contact the program (see below) office for additional information on housing.
Application Procedure
- Click here Fill in and submit an on-line application form.
(You can indicate interest in multiple positions using just one form.) - Click here to modify/update an existing application.
For more Information
Contact the Education Associates Program office at
Phone: (650)604-2987
Email: Education Associates Program