NASA Selects Proposals to Enhance Science Education and Outreach

June 24, 2009

Dwayne Brown
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1726


RELEASE: 09-146

NASA SELECTS PROPOSALS TO ENHANCE SCIENCE EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

WASHINGTON -- NASA has selected four organizations to share
approximately $18 million over five years for education and public
outreach activities to help inspire the next generation of science
leaders and explorers. The cooperative agreements support the
astrophysics, heliophysics, planetary and Earth divisions of NASA's
Science Mission Directorate, which is providing the funding for the
activities.

"NASA seeks to work with the best of the nation's science and
educational communities to help champion and elevate science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics," said Paul Hertz, chief
scientist of the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in
Washington. "Stimulating and informative activities, along with
experiences created and executed by experts, inspire our future
scientists. This provides a productive return on the public's
investment for future scientific research."

These activities contribute to NASA's overall education and outreach
efforts through development and dissemination of new educational and
outreach products that use the directorate's science discoveries. The
agreements provide opportunities for students and educators, citizen
scientists and the public to engage in authentic experiences working
with NASA and research communities. Activities will include
comprehensive public awareness and engagement plans coordinated with
NASA, the selected proposers and other institutions nationwide.

Selected proposals a

"Astrophysics Science Education and Public Outreach Forum," Denise
Smith, principal investigator, Space Telescope Science Institute in
Baltimore, operated by the Association of Universities for Research
in Astronomy

Planetary Science Education and Public Outreach Forum: "Extending the
Coherence and Reach of NASA Planetary Science and SMD Education and
Public Outreach," Stephanie Shipp, principal investigator, Lunar and
Planetary Institute in Houston, a division of the University Space
Research Association

Heliophysics Science Education and Public Outreach Forum: "A Forum to
Support Excellence in Heliophysics Education and Public Outreach
through Sustained Collaboration," Bryan Mendez, principal
investigator, University of California, Berkeley

Earth Science Education and Public Outreach Forum: "Building a
Cohesive and Effective Community," Theresa Schwerin, principal
investigator, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies in
Arlington, Va.


Each selected proposer will receive approximately $850,000 per year.
Further funding will be provided after NASA review and subsequent
approval of progress reports.

This opportunity was open to U.S. organizations, including NASA
centers, industry, educational institutions, not-for-profit
organizations, federally funded research and development centers, and
other government agencies. Fourteen proposals were received in
response to the January 2009 announcement. A peer review panel of
education and public outreach professionals evaluated each proposal.

NASA's Science Mission Directorate has a diverse portfolio of
education and public outreach investments and activities in higher
education, elementary and secondary education, informal education,
and outreach. For information about NASA science programs and
activities, visit:

http://nasascience.nasa.gov

For information about NASA's Education programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/education

-end-