US Education Department and NASA join hands to add STEM to after-school programs

The US Department of Education and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have teamed up to engage students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education through after-school programs. According to NASA, this initiative aims to reach around 1,000 students in over 60 cities across 10 states of the United States.
On September 23 (Monday), NASA and the US Department of Education launched the program at the Wheatley Education Campus in Washington, DC.Students learnt about the collaboration from Kris Brown, Deputy Assistant Administrator of NASA's Office of STEM Engagement, and Cindy Marten, Deputy Secretary of the US Department of Education.
“Through this collaboration between the US Department of Education and NASA, we are unlocking limitless opportunities for students to explore, innovate, and thrive in STEM fields,” said Cindy Marten, according to a report by NASA.
NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland will contribute NASA-related content, academic projects, in-person staff training, continuous program support, and opportunities for students to interact with NASA scientists and engineers.Through design challenges, students will use their critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills to solve-real world challenges that the engineers and scientists of NASA may face.
“Together with the Education Department, NASA aims to create a brighter future for the next generation of explorers,” said NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, as reported by NASA. She added, “We are committed to supporting after-school programs across the country with tools to engage students in the excitement of NASA. Through STEM investments like this, we aspire to ignite curiosity, nurture potential, and inspire our nation’s future researchers, explorers, and innovators.”
About NASA’s STEM program
In 2023, the US Department of Education and NASA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration and expand efforts to increase access to high-quality STEM and space education for students and schools across the US In 2024, NASA Glenn signed a follow-on Space Act Agreement to support the 21st Century Community Learning Centers.
NASA’s STEM program is divided into three categories: for students, for educators, and for colleges and universities.
For more information students, teachers and parents can click here or can visit the official websites of NASA and the Department of Education.
(With inputs from NASA)