About | Apply | For Information | Funded Partnerships | NASSMC Member Coalitions | NASA Explorer Schools

ABOUT

The NASA Explorer Schools Program establishes a three (3)-year collaborative relationship between the NASA and school teams, consisting of teachers and education administrators from diverse communities across the country. NES teams acquire and use new teaching resources and technology tools for grades 4-9 using NASA's unique content, experts and other resources. During three (3)-year program period, NASA Explorer Schools develop an implementation plan to incorporate the use of $17,500 NASA technology grants, knowledge, and skills gained at professional development opportunities, and access mission content and educational resources to reach school improvement goals in STEM content areas.

One of the most significant challenges of the NES program is assuring that participating schools' objectives and outcomes will be sustained. To build a sustainable role for NASA Explorer Schools in the state-based efforts to improve STEM education for all students, the NES must be aligned in strong working relationships with organizations that coordinate STEM education improvement efforts.

In collaboration with NASA, the National Alliance of State Science and Mathematics Coalitions (NASSMC) has developed the NASA Explorer Schools (NES) Partnerships for Sustainability Program to support the formation and operation of partnerships between NASA Explorer Schools and organizations comprised of business, education and public policy leadership representation.

The NES Partnerships for Sustainability Program aims to broaden the potential of the NASA Explorer Schools to be a model for STEM education reform and improvement.

APPLYING FOR THE GRANT

The solicitation for the next cycle of grants has been delayed. Updates will be posted on this web page as they become available.

FOR INFORMATION

If you would like to receive email notification of the status of the next NES Partnerships for Sustainability Request for Proposals, please send an email to info@nassmc.org with the following information:

• Your name
• Your email address
• The name of your organization
• Your state
• The subject line "Partnerships for Sustainability RFP Information Request"

FUNDED PARTNERSHIPS

The NES Partnerships for Sustainability Program was launched in 2003 to place state-based coalitions in active collaboration with the NASA Explorer Schools. Partnerships were funded for approximately $20,000 each.

2005 Grantees

• Idaho: Idaho Science, Mathematics, and Technology Coalition in partnership with Carberry Intermediate School, to provide a support system for Carberry administrators, teachers and students that will connect them to resources and expertise within the coalition's network of educators, business leaders and policy makers.

• Maine: Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance (MMSA) in partnership with Biddeford Middle School and John F. Kennedy School, to combine national, regional, state and local resources to improve STEM education in the Maine NES and the surrounding districts in southern Maine.

• Maryland: Maryland Mathematics and Science Coalition (MMSC) in partnership with Eastern Middle School, to establish a Coordinating Council, provide assistance and support, set up in-depth professional development to teachers, and link the school to available state resources.

• New Hampshire: New Hampshire Mathematics, Science and Technology Coalition (NH MaST) in partnership with the Indian River School and Mascoma Valley Regional High School, to assist in the progression of stronger teaching and learning in STEM through an articulated partnership of organizations in New Hampshire.

• Oklahoma: Coalition for the Advancement of Science and Mathematics Education in Oklahoma (CASMEO) in partnership with Sasakwa Public Schools, to increase NES recognition and influence in the state in STEM education and to integrate the schools into the state infrastructure and into a network of resources that will lead to long-term viability.

• Wisconsin: Wisconsin Science Network (WSN) in partnership with Cumberland Middle School, to develop a culture of professional improvement, establish a local and state outreach program and engage community and state leaders in efforts to sustain the NES vision and objectives.

Read the NASA press release (8/30/2005).

2004 Grantees

• Alabama: Alabama Mathematics, Science and Technology Education Coalition (AMSTEC) in partnership with Phenix City Intermediate School, to address sustainability issues after the NES program award years.

• Arkansas: Arkansas Mathematics and Science Coalition (AMSC) in partnership with Langston Elementary Magnet School for Environmental and Space Science, to develop, support and sustain the efforts of the NES in the state.

• Connecticut: Connecticut Academy for Education in Mathematics, Science, and Technology, Inc. in partnership with Sheridan Communications and Technology Middle School, to focus on the improvement of students' mathematics scores.

• Florida: Coalition for Improving Math and Science Literacy (CIMS) in partnership with the Oscar Patterson Elementary Magnet School, Carol City Elementary School, Howard Bishop Middle School and Garland Steward Magnet Middle School, to facilitate NES students' participation in regional and statewide STEM competitions.

• Georgia: Georgia Coalition for Science, Technology, and Mathematics Education (GCSTME) in partnership with Ralph J. Bunche Middle School, to enrich and expand current activities at the school.

• Iowa: Iowa Mathematics and Science Coalition (IMSC) in partnership with Sioux Central Middle School, to support, promote, and sustain the NASA Explorer Schools within Iowa.

• Massachusetts: The Christa Corrigan McAuliffe Center for Education and Teaching Excellence/Engineering in Massachusetts Collaboration (EiMC) in partnership with Kuss Middle School, to support and extend NES goals.

• Minnesota: SciMathMN in partnership with Crossroads Elementary School and Anwatin Middle School/Bryn Mawr Elementary School, to to advise NES sites in Minnesota on ways to disseminate their exemplary educational practices.

• New Mexico: New Mexico Partnership for Mathematics and Science Education (NMPMSE) in partnership with Vista Middle School and To'Hajiilee Community School, to strengthen the NES program through increased family and community involvement.

• Ohio: Ohio Mathematics and Science Coalition (OMSC) in partnership with Lorain Middle School, to implement an approach to sustainability that focuses on optimization of resources, leadership building, and community outreach.

• Tennessee: Tennessee Mathematics, Science and Technology Education Center in partnership with Bolivar Elementary School, to form a collaborative partnership and develop an action plan for sustainability.

• Washington, DC: Washington DC, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education Coalition, in partnership with Anne Beers Elementary School, to extend the impact of NES programming across Anacostia.

CONTACT INFORMATION

If you have any questions regarding the NES Partnerships for Sustainability Program and proposal submission process, please feel free to contact:

Jim McMurtray
Executive Director
703-516-5973
jmcmurtray@nassmc.org