USRA, through our research institutes and centers, supports outreach programs developed for students K-12, high school, undergraduate and graduate, and postgraduate, professionals, educators, and the public. Information about each of our education programs, with links to their web sites, is provided below.

K-12 Programs

• Every day a different image of the universe appears at the Astronomy Picture of the Day, with a description written by a professional astronomer.
• Imagine the Universe! provides information and resources for grade 7-12 students and teachers on topics ranging from black holes to stars to the structure of the universe.
• StarChild offers information and resources for grade K-8 students and teachers on the universe, our solar system, and space travel.
• The Texas Middle School Aerospace Scholars (MAS) program provides a high-quality middle school distance-education program that brings space science to middle school classrooms and educators throughout Texas.

High School Programs

• USRA manages NASA's Education Associates Program (EAP) which offers students and faculty the opportunity to experience science and technology within the unique environment of NASA. EAP is a hands-on, immersive experience at a NASA center working with scientists, engineers and other program managers on NASA projects.
• The Career Exploration Program (CEP) provides high school seniors and college students with internship opportunities within the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC). These internships encourage students to complete their college education, guide them to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics related career fields, and equip them with valuable job skills that will help them to succeed in the workplace.
• The Texas High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) program affords more than 200 Texas high school juniors the opportunity to come to the NASA/Johnson Space Center for a one-week internship during the summer to participate in a variety of presentations, tours, and projects focused on Mars exploration.

Undergraduate and Graduate Programs

• USRA manages NASA's flagship internship program, the Undergraduate Student Research Program (USRP), which provides degree-related hands-on internships to talented undergraduate students pursuing academic degrees in engineering, mathematics, computer science, or physical/life sciences. Approximately 300 students work under the supervision of a NASA Technical Mentor for a 10-week summer session or a 15-week fall or spring session.
• The Career Exploration Program (CEP) provides high school seniors and college students with internship opportunities within the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC). These internships encourage students to complete their college education, guide them to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics related career fields, and equip them with valuable job skills that will help them to succeed in the workplace.
• USRA manages NASA's Education Associates Program (EAP) which offers students and faculty the opportunity to experience science and technology within the unique environment of NASA. EAP is a hands-on, immersive experience at a NASA center working with scientists, engineers and other program managers on NASA projects.
• USRA's Division of Space and Life Sciences (DSLS) education activities are directed primarily at graduate students, and include the Aerospace Medicine Grand Rounds seminars (and video archives) and a biology course designed for engineers and held at the NASA Ames Research Center in California.
• The Texas Community College Aerospace Scholars (CAS) encourages community college students to enter careers in science and engineering through interactive web-based activities and exciting on-site experiences at the Johnson Space Center.
• The Texas Aerospace Scholars Intern program recruits talented students in academic disciplines relevant to NASA's mission. Selected participants are offered a hands-on 10 week summer or 15 week spring or fall internship at the Johnson Space Center.
• RASC-AL provides opportunities for universities, faculty, and students to undertake space exploration research and design challenges highlighting revolutionary aerospace concepts at the Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) in Houston, Texas.
• Through the Summer Intern Program, undergraduate students have the opportunity to conduct research with space scientists and to explore career opportunities in the space sciences at the Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) in Houston, Texas.
• In the Summer Lunar Study Program, qualifying graduate and undergraduate students evaluate possible landing sites for robotic and human exploration missions at the Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) in Houston, Texas.
• The Center for Space Nuclear Research (CSNR) in Idaho Falls, Idaho, invites undergraduate and graduate students to experience cutting-edge research in nuclear power and propulsion technologies through its Summer Fellowship Program.
• USRA's Research Institute for Advanced Computer Science (RIACS) utilizes the FootHill/DeAnza Internship Program at NASA Ames Research Center and employs several interns during each year.

Post-Graduate and Professional Programs

• USRA manages NASA's Education Associates Program (EAP) which offers students and faculty the opportunity to experience science and technology within the unique environment of NASA. EAP is a hands-on, immersive experience at a NASA center working with scientists, engineers and other program managers on NASA projects.
• The overall objective of the Program/Project Management Development (PPMD) effort in Houston, Texas, is management and leadership training development for Civil Service technical and management staff that will prepare the Agency for continuing leadership of space exploration programs. PPMD participants attend a series of five high-level, customized training courses in the areas of program and project management.
• The goal of the Center for Space Nuclear Research (CSNR) Summer Fellowship program is to provide participants an opportunity to learn and evaluate current issues involving nuclear power and propulsion technologies for space exploration.

Programs and Resources for Educators

• Explore! provides Earth and space sciences resources and hands-on activities designed for use in libraries and after-school programs.
• The Lunar and Planetary Institute's Educator Resource site includes a variety of activities, information, and other resources for formal and informal education.
• The Lunar and Planetary Institute offers a variety of professional development and field-based experiences for classroom educators, including space science institutes for faculty preparing pre-service teachers.
• The Tribal Earth Science & Technology Education program (TRESTE) is a NASA-funded team of nine higher education institutions and the USRA Earth System Science program. The program is designed to enhance Earth System Science and geospatial education using problem-based teaching techniques.
• The SOFIA team is continuing to develop classroom activities related to SOFIA science and technology; two curricula for middle and high school students are available here. These activities and modules are consistent with national science education standards, are age- and grade-appropriate, and have been thoroughly tested and evaluated by practicing teachers.
• The Airborne Ambassadors program will allow selected educators to participate in research flights of the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) when it becomes operational. (This program is under development.)
• SOFIA science team members will partner with teachers and youth group leaders in their home communities to share astronomy with young people as part of the Education Partners program. (This program is under development.)
• Every summer, educators and faculty involved in undergraduate instruction, science and technology centers, and planetariums will have the opportunity to participate in special workshops at the SOFIA Science and Mission Operations Center as part of the SOFIA Science Literacy and Education program at the NASA Ames Research Center in Northern California. (This program is under development.)
• Each year, three or four experienced educators will have the opportunity to join the SOFIA Education and Public Outreach (E/PO) staff through the Visiting Educator program. Based at the SOFIA Science and Mission Operations Center, visiting educators will train and host airborne guests, develop classroom and web-based material, and support other SOFIA E/PO programs. (This program is under development.)

Public Education Programs

• Every day a different image of the universe appears at the Astronomy Picture of the Day, with a description written by a professional astronomer.
• The Earth Science Picture of the Day website highlights the diverse processes and phenomena which shape our planet and our lives.
• Young children and their families are invited to attend Family Space Day at the Lunar and Planetary Institute in Houston, Texas. This monthly program uses hands-on activities to explore a variety of space themes. Activity descriptions and guides are available online.
• Inquisitive adults are invited to attend quarterly public presentations by leading space scientists on recent discoveries and developments at the Lunar and Planetary Institute's Cosmic Exploration Speaker Series in Houston, Texas.