Ann Marie Trotta
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1601
ann.marie.trotta@nasa.gov

RELEASE: 13-154

NASA EDUCATION OFFERS SUMMER OF INNOVATION 'MINI-AWARDS'

WASHINGTON -- NASA's Summer of Innovation project is accepting
proposals through Monday, June 10, from organizations that want to
offer students science, technology, engineering and mathematics
(STEM) educational experiences this summer.

NASA will grant "mini-awards" of as much as $2,500 each to encourage a
wide variety of educational partners, such as museums, schools or
school districts, and youth organizations to infuse existing summer
and after-school student programs with STEM content.

"Fun and interactive learning experiences are a perfect way to keep
students' minds sharp during the summer break," said Leland Melvin,
NASA's associate administrator for education in Washington. "NASA
centers and other national partners offer great Summer of Innovation
opportunities, but the mini-awards allow smaller, non-traditional
partners to inspire students in their local communities through
creative educational activities."

In 2012, NASA's Office of Education gave more than 200 mini-awards to
groups, such as scout troops, church summer camps and similar
community-based organizations. The agency expects to issue between
180 and 200 awards this year.

The Summer of Innovation project is designed to improve skills and
enhance American middle school students and educators' engagement
with STEM disciplines. It provides hands-on learning opportunities
and professional development activities through educational
activities unique to NASA during the summer. Summer of Innovation is
a key component of the agency's broader education program to increase
student interest in STEM courses, particularly among those in
underserved sectors of the academic community.

To learn more about Summer of Innovation and apply for a 2013
mini-award, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/soi

To learn more about NASA Education, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/education