NASA has launched a grant program intended to encourage informal learning centers to get more students into science, technology, engineering and math careers.
Six museums and four visitor centers across the U.S. received grants totaling $7.7 million under NASA’s Competitive Program for Science Museums, Planetariums and NASA Visitor Centers Plus Other Opportunities, the space agency said Wednesday.
The recipients will create STEM-focused interactive exhibits, professional development activities and community programs.
“Increasing STEM literacy in students today is crucial to having the talent NASA will require for future missions of science and discovery.” said Leland Melvin, a NASA associate administrator for education.
Awardees include:
- U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville, Ala.
- AERO Institute, Palmdale, Calif.
- Miami Science Museum
- Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
- Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul
- St. Louis Science Center
- Science South Inc., Florence, S.C.
- Space Center Houston Project
- Virginia Air and Space Center, Hampton, Va.
- Pacific Science Center Foundation, Seattle
NASA aims for these organizations to educate young people about space exploration, aeronautics, robotics, astronomy, remote sensing, and Mars missions.
