JPL Announces New Explorer School Partnerships

["NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory" <info@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

 

Natalie Godwin (818) 354-0850

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.

 

News Release: 2006-079                                                                                 May 25, 2006

 

JPL Announces New Explorer School Partnerships

 

Students from two San Diego schools will expand their knowledge of science and space, thanks to a new partnership with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. 

 

The San Diego schools join 24 other recently-announced NASA Explorer Schools around the country, all aiming to inspire students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The San Diego-area schools selected to partner with JPL are Castle Park Middle School in Chula Vista and Johnson Magnet School for Space Exploration and Technology in San Diego.  JPL is already partnering with 15 other Southern California schools.

 

NASA Explorer Schools provide unique opportunities to engage and educate the future scientists and technologists who might someday help advance U.S. space exploration.  Part of NASA's elementary and secondary programs, the schools look to attract and retain students in science and technical fields through a progression of educational opportunities for students, teachers and administrators. NASA has a total of 150 Explorer School teams, primarily from minority and under-represented communities, from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

 

Selected schools are eligible to receive up to $17,500 during the three-year partnership to help buy technology tools. The program also provides educators and students with content-specific activities that can be used in many local and state curricula to excite students about science and math.

 

Each summer, local teachers participate in one-week professional development workshops at JPL. They also receive $500 stipends for both summer and school year activities. The Explorer School program also reaches out to the students' families and communities with special opportunities, including access to interactive NASA learning adventures on the Internet.

 

The NASA Explorer Schools Program was chosen as one of the "Top Innovations in American Government Awards for 2006" by the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

 

For a list of the NASA Explorer Schools and additional information, visit:  

http://explorerschools.nasa.gov/portal/site/nes/menuitem.41ea7dd2032c85bb10eaa4ac72693ea0/

 

For more information about JPL Education Programs on the Internet, visit: http://education.jpl.nasa.gov .

 

To see a photo slide show of JPL's Explorer Schools visit:

http://education.jpl.nasa.gov/features-slide.html .

 

For information about NASA Education programs on the Internet, visit: http://education.nasa.gov .

   

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