Applications Due January 15, 2008 for NASA ACCESS Internships

Applications are now being accepted for the Achieving Competence in Computing, Engineering, and Space Science program, also known as ACCESS. This 10-week, paid internship at NASA centers around the U.S. is designed for undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities.

Applicants should have strong backgrounds in science and a desire to pursue technical careers. Students who are chosen will work with scientists and engineers in an area compatible with their skills and interests.

Applications are due January 15, 2008.  For more information, visit http://www.entrypoint.org

Nominate an Outstanding Educator for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th-grade mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Enacted by Congress in 1983, this program authorizes the President to bestow up to 108 awards each year. The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Awards are given to mathematics and science teachers from each of the 50 states and four U.S. jurisdictions. The jurisdictions are Washington, D.C.; Puerto Rico; Department of Defense Schools; and the U.S. territories as a group (American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands).The teachers are recognized for their contributions to teaching and learning and their ability to help students make progress in mathematics and science.

In addition to honoring individual achievement, the goal of the award program is to exemplify the highest standards of mathematics and science teaching. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education.

Recipients of the award receive the following:

A citation signed by the President of the United States.

A paid trip for two to Washington, D.C., to attend a weeklong series of recognition events and professional development opportunities.

Gifts from program sponsors from around the country.

A $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.

Applications close on May 1, 2008.  To nominate an outstanding educator or learn more about the awards, please visit http://www.paemst.org/controllers/about.cfc?method=view

Nominate an Outstanding Educator for the 2008 American Stars of Teaching

The U.S. Department of Education’s Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative is accepting nominations for 2008 American Stars of Teaching until March 31. Parents, students, colleagues, school administrators and others can nominate an exemplary teacher who they believe has the qualities to be an American Star of Teaching.

We are seeking nominations of teachers across the United States who are improving student achievement, using innovative strategies in the classroom and making a difference in the lives of their students. Teachers across all grade levels and disciplines will be honored as 2008 American Stars of Teaching this fall. To nominate a teacher, go to: http://www.ed.gov/teachers/how/tools/initiative/index.html .

The U.S. Department of Education received more than 4,000 nominations for the 2007 school year. A list of previous honorees can be found at: http://www.ed.gov/teachers/how/tools/initiative/american-stars-teachers.html . You can read archived news stories about some of our 2007 American Stars at https://www.t2tweb.us/Updates/Archives.asp .

Application Deadline for the NASA Administrator’s Fellowship Program Extended to February 21, 2008

The NASA Administrator’s Fellowship Program is a unique program designed to enhance the professional development of NASA employees and the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) faculty at Minority Institutions (MIs)1. The program also strives to increase the capability of MIs to respond to NASA’s research, development, and education needs.

Since 1997, eighty-nine (89) fellows have entered the NAFP. Through the development and implementation of professional development plans tailored to each individual fellows’ and host institutions’ needs, the benefits to Minority Institutions, faculty, and NASA employees include:

• Access to NASA’s internal and informal information networks
• Opportunity to gain and expand knowledge of NASA’s technical and scientific needs
• Opportunity to share information about specific MSI capabilities and technologies
• Enhancement of undergraduate and graduate research
• Opportunity to build scholarly publication skills

In order to meet NAFP objectives, two categories of respondents are encouraged to apply:

1) NASA Career Employees – These fellows will teach and/or conduct research at a MI and participate in developmental assignments at NASA Headquarters, NASA centers, NASA related research organizations, other government agencies, or in the private sector. Employee fellows will spend approximately 9 months teaching at a MI and 9-13 months in professional development assignments. Typically, the NAFP tenure for NASA employees is 18-22 months.

2) STEM Faculty of Minority-Serving Institutions – These fellows will conduct research at NASA Headquarters, NASA centers, NASA related research organizations, other government agencies, or in the private sector. They may also pursue other developmental assignments over the course of the fellowship. Faculty fellows will spend 12 months conducting research at a NASA center and 9 months “in-residence” at their home institution conducting NASA-related research. Typically, the NAFP tenure for faculty fellows is 21 months.

The participation of fellows from both NASA and academia will serve to increase knowledge of the scientific and technical needs of NASA as well as increase the capability of MIs to participate in NASA-sponsored research and development (R&D) programs. Fellow participation will also allow NASA to share information about leading edge technologies and establish relationships with the MIs. In addition, fellows will receive training in the latest methods of teaching mathematics, science, and engineering, and in the presentation of research results. These benefits will strengthen the fellows in their careers and provide enhanced capabilities to assist in the academic preparation of future scientists and engineers.

The application deadline for the NAFP program has been extended until February 21, 2008. Please visit the following website for details and application forms.
http://www.uncfsp.org/spknowledge/default.aspx?page=program.view&areaid=1&contentid=179&typeid=nafp

Applications Due January 28, 2008 for ESMD Internship Opportunities

NASA Exploration Systems Mission Directorate is offering student opportunities related to Exploration in partnership with the National Space Grant Consortia. Contact your local Space Grant Consortium for further details on the area of your interest. You may also visit http://education.ksc.nasa.gov/ESMDspacegrant/  for specific information.

Internships:
Spend 10 weeks in private industry or at a NASA Center working on an Exploration project Includes a stipend of $6000 (includes travel allowance). Selected students will be responsible for acquiring housing arrangements and travel plans. Students should contact their local Space Grant Consortium for internship availability in your area.

Application deadlines:
Jan 28 for Summer 2008
May 1 for Fall 2008

Check http://education.ksc.nasa.gov/ESMDspacegrant/  for the application and available positions.