NASA partnership to benefit woman in science and technology

Jacques van Oene wrote:
Michael Mewhinney March 6, 2002
NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif.
Phone: 650/604-3937 or 650/604-9000
E-mail:

Carol Muller
National Center for Women in STEM
Phone: 408/924-4070
E-mail:

RELEASE: 02-26AR
NASA PARTNERSHIP TO BENEFIT WOMEN IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Striving to increase the participation of women in science and
technology, NASA officials today announced the formation of a new
partnership with the National Center for Women in Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

NASA Ames Research Center Director Dr. Henry McDonald and Lisa
Duncan, president of the board of directors of the National Center
for Women in STEM, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish
the partnership. Under the terms of the two-year agreement, the two
organizations will work together to provide resources and programs to

expand the engagement of women in STEM education, research and
development.

"This is a wonderful example of a strategic partnership that fits our

goal of creating the NASA Research Park, a world-class, shared-use
R&D campus bringing industry, academia and nonprofits together for
the benefit of NASA and the community," McDonald said.
"I am delighted to form this partnership with the National Center for

Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, and look
forward to the enhanced opportunities this will create for women in
the workplace," he added.

"Our relationship with NASA Ames is an important strategic alliance
and an exciting step toward achieving our goals for women in STEM,"
Duncan said. "NASA exemplifies the excitement and challenge that
careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics can
provide. And the opportunity to be located in the proposed NASA
Research Park is an exceptional benefit that will enable us to
actively participate in stimulating collaborations with NASA and its
other partners."

The signing of the agreement with the National Center for Women in
STEM comes during the month of March, which as National Women's
History Month, has been traditionally designated to highlight some of

the extraordinary and courageous achievements by women of all races,
religions, social and economic standing. Women have made significant

contributions to ensure that NASA accomplishes its missions in the
fields of science and engineering.

A non-profit organization, the National Center for Women in STEM was
established in 2001 to provide opportunities for synergy and
collaboration in order to increase the impact of organizations and
individuals working to advance women and girls in science,
technology, engineering and mathematics. Leaders of six national
women's organizations who share a common vision are guiding the
National Center.

In addition to establishing a national resource center at the new
NASA Research Park, the agreement also calls for the creation of
collaborative programs to expand the technical and scientific
workforce by further developing women's scientific and technical
talents.

"We have not yet tapped the full potential of women in these fields,"

said Duncan. "Women and girls have unique perspectives and skills
that influence our interpretation of science and technology. By
increasing their participation and advancement in STEM, we will
maximize the benefits of science and technology in our society."

Working with NASA scientists and engineers, the organization plans to

create new educational programs, focusing on curriculum enhancement,
faculty/teacher development, and continuing and higher education
opportunities for women and girls.

The agreement also calls for providing increased opportunities and
resources for research in information science and technology, and
product and technology development. The organization hopes to
provide assistance with technology transfer, including technical
support for the commercialization of NASA-developed technologies and
products.

"This collaboration will provide a unique opportunity for women and
girls to become involved in the exciting work that NASA does,
particularly the work we do here at Ames," said Nancy Bingham,
associate director for systems management and planning at Ames.

NASA's goal is to develop portions of Moffett Field into the NASA
Research Park (NRP), in association with academia, industry and
non-profit organizations. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley,
the NRP is being developed under the NASA Ames Development Plan.

As part of the development process, NASA has established several R&D
and education partnerships that provide for research laboratories,
office space, classrooms, exhibit halls and other public facilities,
such as museums. Academic partners include the University of
California at Santa Cruz, San Jos=E9 State University, Carnegie Mellon

University, and the Foothill-DeAnza Community College District.
Students attending NRP university academic programs will increase
Silicon Valley's high-tech workforce of the future.

Information about the National Center for Women in STEM is available
on the web at:

http://www.ncwstem.org

Information about the NASA Research Park can be found at:

http://researchpark.arc.nasa.gov

Information about women's contributions to the NASA legacy is
available on the web at:
=20
http://www.nasa.gov/women/milestones.html
=20
-end-