I. The US Department of Education
The following information may be found on the Department of Education's website. The general website address for education programs is as follows: http://www.ed.gov/programs/find/title/index.html

It is suggested that you reference the above website for the most up-to-date postings.

The following is a synopsis of federally funded educational programs with suggested web sites for additional information.

K-12


• Advanced Placement Incentive (API) Program
  http://www.ed.gov/programs/apincent/index.html
  These $10.7 million program awards competitive grants designed to increase the successful participation of low-income students in pre-advanced placement and advanced placement courses and tests. The program aims to provide more opportunities for low-income students to achieve to high standards in English, mathematics, science, and other core subjects. Additional long-term goals of the program are to demonstrate that larger and more diverse groups of students can participate and succeed in advanced placement programs, and to increase the numbers of low-income and other disadvantaged students who receive baccalaureate and advanced degrees.

• Charter Schools
  http://www.uscharterschools.org/pub/uscs_docs/home.htm
  This program provides funding for the design and implementation of public charter schools. Increased emphasis is being placed on the success and accountability of these schools. Grants are provided on a competitive basis to states with charter school laws; states, in turn, make sub grants to authorized entities. Funds may be used for activities such as purchasing equipment, materials, supplies, or dissemination of information about the charter school or the evaluation of their effectiveness.

• Educational Technology State Grant
  http://www.ed.gov/programs/edtech/index.html
  The primary goal of the Ed-Tech program is to improve student academic achievement through the use of technology in schools. It is also designed to assist students in crossing the digital divide by ensuring that every student is technologically literate by the end of eighth grade, and to encourage the effective integration of technology with teacher training and curriculum development to establish successful research-based instructional methods.

  Under the Ed-Tech program, the U.S. Department of Education provides grants to State educational agencies (SEAs) on the basis of their proportionate share of funding under Part A of Title I.

  States may retain up to 5 percent of their allocations for State-level activities, and must distribute one-half of the remainder by formula to eligible local educational agencies and the other one-half

• Effective Math Education Research Grants Program
  http://www.ed.gov/programs/edresearch/emerg_purpose.html
  The purpose of the research program on Effective Mathematics Education is to support the identification of interventions and approaches in mathematics education that will result in improving mathematics achievement for all students and closing achievement gaps between minority and non-minority students, and between economically disadvantaged students and their more advantaged peers. The focus of the 2003 competition will be middle-school mathematics education.

• Homeless Children & Youth - Grants for State and Local Activities
  http://www.nationalhomeless.org/
  The Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act is the legislation that makes available formula grants to states to help them ensure that homeless children have equal access to public education. States provide sub grants to school districts, which, in turn, may provide tutoring, and other additional instructional services to meet the needs of homeless children.

• Improving Teacher Quality
  http://www.ed.gov/programs/teacherqual/index.html
  Program Office: Academic Improvement and Teacher Quality Programs
  CFDA Number: 84.367
  Program Type: Formula Grants
  The purpose of Title II, Part A is to help increase the academic achievement of all students by helping schools and school districts ensure that all teachers are highly qualified to teach. Through the program, State educational agencies (SEAs) and Local educational agencies (LEAs) receive funds on a formula basis, as does the State agency for higher education (SAHE). The SAHE provides competitive grants to partnerships comprised, at a minimum, of schools of education and arts and sciences along with one or more high-need LEAs. In exchange, agencies that receive funds are held accountable to the public for improvements in academic achievement. Title II, Part A provides these agencies the flexibility to use these funds creatively to address challenges to teacher quality, whether they concern teacher preparation and qualifications of new teachers, recruitment and hiring, induction, professional development, teacher retention, or the need for more capable principals and assistant principals to serve as effective school leaders.

• Teacher Quality Enhancement Grants
  http://www.ed.gov/programs/heatqp/index.html
  The Teacher Quality Enhancement Grants initiative consists of three separate programs: Partnership Grants for Improving Teacher Education, State Grants, and Teacher Recruitment Grants.

  Partnership Grants for Improving Teacher Education will provide funds to partnerships among teacher preparation institutions, schools of arts and sciences, and local school districts in high-need areas. The partners will work to strengthen teacher education through activities such as: implementing reforms that hold teacher education programs accountable, improving prospective teachers' knowledge of academic content, ensuring that teachers are well-prepared for the realities of the classroom, and preparing prospective teachers to use technology and to work effectively with diverse students.

  State Grants will encourage States to improve the quality of their teaching force through activities such as: strengthening their teacher certification standards, implementing reforms that hold institutions of higher education accountable, establishing or strengthening alternative pathways into teaching, and recruiting new high-quality teachers for high-need areas.

  Teacher Recruitment Grants will support State and local efforts to recruit highly qualified teachers for high-need areas. The program supports high-quality teacher preparation and induction programs tailored to meet locally-identified needs, identifies pools of potential teachers who address these shortages, and recruits individuals from those pools.

  To ensure accountability in teacher education, the law also requires states and institutions of higher education to prepare "report cards" on the quality of teacher preparation.

• Innovative Programs
  http://www.ed.gov/programs/innovative/index.html
  Program Office: Office of School Support and Technology Programs
  CFDA Number: 84.298
  Program Type: Formula Grants
  (1) To support local education reform efforts that are consistent with and support statewide education reform efforts. (2) To provide funding to enable state educational agencies and local educational agencies to implement promising educational reform programs and school improvement programs based on scientifically based research. (3) To provide a continuing source of innovation and educational improvement, including support programs to provide library services and instructional and media materials. (4) To meet the educational needs of all students, including at-risk youth. (5) To develop and implement education programs to improve school, student and teacher performance, including professional development activities and class size reduction programs.

• Office of English Language Acquisition
  http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oela/funding.html
  The Office of English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic Achievement for Limited English Proficient Students (OELA) administers Title III of No Child Left Behind Act (2001). OELA also provides national leadership in promoting high quality education for English language learners (ELLs). Traditionally, this population has been known as limited English proficient students (LEPs).

• Rural Education
  http://www.ed.gov/programs/reaprlisp/index.html
  The Rural and Low-Income School Program is designed to address the needs of rural, low-income schools. The Secretary awards formula grants to State educational agencies (SEAs), which in turn award sub grants to eligible LEAs either competitively or on a formula basis. The funds are to be used to carry out activities specified by the statute.

• Special Education IDEA
  http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/index.html
  Through its three components, OSERS guides and supports a comprehensive array of programs and projects that support individuals with disabilities.

• Star Schools
  http://www.ed.gov/programs/starschools/index.html
  The Star Schools program, which provides continuation grants only, has helped to improve instruction in mathematics, science, foreign languages, literacy skills, and vocational education in underserved areas through partnerships that develop, construct, acquire, maintain, and operate telecommunications, audiovisual equipment, and facilities. More than one million students and their teachers in 50 states and territories participate in this distance-learning program.

• Title I, Part A Program
  http://www.ed.gov/programs/titleiparta/index.html
  This formula grant program is the largest of the Elementary and Secondary Education Programs and provides districts with extra resources to help improve instruction in high-poverty schools and ensure that poor and minority children have the same opportunities as their peers to meet challenging state academic standards. The new law requires states to develop standards in reading and math and assessments linked to those standards for all students in grades 3 to 8. Districts and schools must use Title I funds for activities that scientifically-based research suggests will be most effective in helping all students meet these standards.

  Other
  

• Community Technology Centers Program
  http://www.ed.gov/programs/comtechcenters/index.html
  The purpose of the Community Technology Centers program is to promote the development of model programs that demonstrate the educational effectiveness of technology in urban and rural areas and economically distressed communities. These Community Technology Centers provide access to information technology and related learning services to children and adults. The CTC program exists to provide more than mere access to technology. It exists to provide expanded learning opportunities and to fund model programs demonstrating the educational effectiveness of technology. This goal is significant, particularly with the strong emphasis of the recently enacted No Child Left Behind Act. This legislation focuses on the President's commitment to leave no person behind in improving their educational skills, including adults with limited basic and English language skills. The Department is diligently working to enhance the quality of and access to adult education programs through improving accountability requirements. Technology plays an integral role in reaching that goal.

• Mathematics and Science Partnerships
  http://www.ed.gov/programs/mathsci/index.html
  The Mathematics and Science Partnership (MSP) program is intended to increase the academic achievement of students in mathematics and science by enhancing the content knowledge and teaching skills of classroom teachers. Partnerships between high-need school districts and the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) faculty in institutions of higher education are at the core of these improvement efforts. Other partners may include state education agencies, public charter schools or other public schools, businesses, and nonprofit or for-profit organizations concerned with mathematics and science education.

  The Math and Science Partnerships program is a formula grant program to the states, with the size of individual state awards based on student population and poverty rates. No State receives less than one half of one percent of the total appropriation. With these funds, each State is responsible for administering a competitive grant competition, in which grants are made to partnerships to improve teacher knowledge in mathematics and science.

• Preparing Tomorrow’s Teachers to Use Technology (PT3)
  http://www.ed.gov/programs/teachtech/index.html
  This competitive grant program is designed to promote partnerships among private industry, K-12 schools, and universities. Activities may provide support for faculty on how to use technology in their classes, develop technology-based resources and tools, and create technology-related professional development and internship opportunities for teachers.

• Tech-Prep Education
  http://www.ed.gov/programs/techprep/index.html
  This program offers assistance to states to award grants to a consortia of school districts and postsecondary institutions to operate programs that facilitate technical preparation in applied science; engineering technology; industrial, mechanical, or practical trades; agriculture; health; or business. Programs must include the last two years of high school and two years of postsecondary education, leading to an associate degree or a two-year certificate.

• 21st Century Community Learning Centers
  http://www.ed.gov/programs/21stcclc/index.html
  This program provides money for before and after-school initiatives, weekend and summer programs that seek to advance student achievement. It will, for the first time, allow grants not only to school districts but also directly to community-based organizations and other public or private entities, including faith-based groups, in rural and inner-city schools in nearly every state. Centers will provide opportunities for children and youth to participate in a variety of activities, including nutritional and health services and technology programs. Funds may be used for planning, implementing, or expanding learning activities and for other areas of instruction, enrichment, and recreation, including telecommunications and technology education. This is a competitive grant program that shifted from the federal government to the states.

II. The National Science Foundation (NSF)
http://www.nsf.gov/
The National Science Foundation funds the following programs annually. To access specific information about these programs, you may access the below website and enter the NSF program number listed next to the heading of each program.
http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/index.html

K-12


• Instructional Materials Development - IMD (nsf#03524)
  The Instructional Materials Development (IMD) program includes three components:
  1. Instructional Materials for Students - supports the creation and substantial revision of comprehensive curricula and supplemental instructional materials that are research-based; enhance classroom instruction, pre K-12; and reflect standards for science, mathematics, and technology education developed by national professional organizations.
  2. Assessment - supports the creation of tools for assessing student learning that are tied to nationally developed standards and reflect the most current thinking on how students learn mathematics and science. Projects can also focus on assistance to schools and districts in implementing new assessment.
  3. Applied Research - supports the research for development of the IMD program and projects; provides evidence for the effectiveness of materials and feedback for strengthening the portfolio; and identifies possible new directions in instructional materials and assessment.

  Proposals may be submitted for projects in any field of science, technology education, or mathematics (STM).

  Higher Education
  

• Centers for Learning and Teaching CLT (nsf#03522)
  The Centers for Learning and Teaching (CLT) program focuses on the advanced preparation of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educators, as well as the establishment of meaningful partnerships among education stakeholders, especially Ph.D. granting institutions, school systems, and informal education performers. Its goals are to renew and diversify the cadre of leaders in STEM education; to increase the number of K-16 educators capable of delivering high-quality STEM instruction and assessment; and to conduct research into STEM education issues of national import (e.g. the nature of learning, teaching strategies, and reform policies and outcomes)

• Centers of Research Excellence in Science & Technology CREST (nsf#02180)
  NSF recognizes that academic institutions with significant minority student enrollments play a vital role in conducting research that contributes to our knowledge base in all disciplines, and in educating minority students who go on to careers in fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST) program makes substantial resources available to upgrade the capabilities of the most research-productive minority-serving institutions. It develops outstanding centers through the integration of education and research. It serves to promote the production of new knowledge, to increase the research productivity of individual faculty, and to expand a diverse student presence in STEM disciplines. The program also enables CREST Centers to increase the effectiveness of related science and engineering activities within their research areas.

• Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program - HBCU-UP (nsf#02162)
  This program provides awards to enhance the quality of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) instructional and outreach programs at historically black colleges and universities as a means to broaden participation in the Nation's STEM workforce. Support is available for the implementation of comprehensive institutional approaches to strengthen STEM teaching and learning in ways that improve access to, retention within, and graduation from STEM programs. Proposed activities should be the result of a careful analysis of institutional needs, address institutional and NSF goals, and have the potential to result in significant and sustainable improvements in STEM program offerings. Typical project implementation strategies include: curriculum enhancement, faculty professional development, undergraduate research, academic enrichment, infusion of technology to enhance STEM instruction, collaborations with research institutions and industry, and other activities that meet institutional needs.

• Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Program (nsf#03520)
  This program is aimed at increasing the quality and quantity of students successfully completing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) baccalaureate degree programs, and increasing the number of students interested in, academically qualified for and matriculated into programs of graduate study. LSAMP supports sustained and comprehensive approaches that facilitate achievement of the long-term goal of increasing the number of students who earn doctorates in STEM fields, particularly those from populations underrepresented in STEM fields. The program goals are accomplished through the formation of alliances. Phase I awards places emphasis on aggregate baccalaureate production. Phase II awards augment the Phase I emphasis with attention to individual student retention and progression to baccalaureate degrees. Phase III awards augment the Phase I and Phase II with attention to aggregate student progression to graduate school entry.

• NSF's Tribal Colleges and Universities Program: Nations United in Improving Science and Technology Education for Native Americans - TCUP (nsf#02072)
  To help guide implementation of executive order #13021 on Tribal Colleges and Universities, signed by President William J. Clinton on October 19, 1996, the Office of the White House Initiative on Tribal Colleges and Universities and Tribal College Presidents have met frequently to discuss their priorities. In 1998, the Tribal Colleges established five priorities for initial implementation of the order. These priorities are expected to evolve and change over time. They include: core-funding, infrastructure - capital development, institutional development, private sector involvement, and tribal sovereignty and community self-sufficiency.

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Talent Expansion Program (nsf#03548)
  The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Talent Expansion Program (STEP) seeks to increase the number of students (U.S. citizens or permanent residents) pursuing and receiving associates or baccalaureate degrees in established or emerging fields within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). For FY 2003, Type 1 proposals are solicited which provide for full implementation efforts at academic institutions. Type 2 proposals are solicited which provide for educational research projects on associate or baccalaureate degree attainment in STEM.

• Tribal Colleges and Universities Program Solicitation (nsf#02163)
  This program provides awards to enhance the quality of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) instructional and outreach programs, with an emphasis on the leveraged use of information technologies at Tribal Colleges and Universities, Alaskan Native-serving Institutions and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions. Support is available for the implementation of comprehensive institutional approaches to strengthen STEM teaching and learning in ways that improve access to, retention within and graduation from STEM programs, particularly those that have a strong technological foundation. Through this program, assistance is provided to eligible institutions in their efforts to bridge the digital divide and prepare students for careers in information technology, science, mathematics and engineering fields. Proposed activities should be the result of a careful analysis of institutional needs, address institutional and NSF goals, and have the potential to result in significant and sustainable improvements in STEM program offerings. Typical project implementation strategies include curriculum enhancement, faculty professional development, undergraduate research and community service, academic enrichment, infusion of technology to enhance STEM instruction, collaborations, and other activities that meet institutional and community needs.

  Other
  

• Advanced Technological Education (ATE)
  http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2003/nsf03523/nsf03523.htm
  Contact Info: Elizabeth J. Teles (703) 292-4643 ejteles@nsf.gov
  This $40 million program promotes improvement in technological education at the undergraduate and secondary school levels by supporting curriculum development; the preparation and professional development of college faculty and secondary school teachers; internships and field experiences for faculty, teachers, and students; and other activities.

• Gender Diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Education (nsf#03502)
  The program seeks to broaden the participation of girls and young women in all fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education by supporting research, demonstration, and dissemination projects that will lead to change in education policy and practice. Typical projects will investigate gender-related differences in learning; gender-related differences in educational experience, interest, and performance; and pedagogical approaches and teaching styles that are gender-neutral or encouraging to female students. The findings and outcomes of the program will lead to understanding, for example, how to maintain the interest of students in science after middle school, how to bring more students into elective high school mathematics and advanced placement science courses, and how to increase enrollments in undergraduate studies in STEM, particularly in physical sciences, engineering and computer sciences. Large requests that will engage many student or educator participants are expected to involve multiple partner institutions. Proposals are received on two different deadlines during the year, depending on areas of emphasis.

• Informal Science Education - ISE (nsf#03511)
  ISE activities provide rich and stimulating opportunities outside formal school settings where individuals of all ages, interests, and backgrounds increase their appreciation and understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

• Math and Science Partnership Program - MSP (nsf#02190)
  The Math and Science Partnership (MSP) program supports innovative partnership-driven projects developed to improve K-12 student achievement in mathematics and science. As overall student achievement rises, MSP projects are expected to significantly reduce achievement gaps in the mathematics and science performance of diverse student populations. Successful MSP projects will serve as models that can be widely replicated in educational practice to improve the mathematics and science achievement of all the Nation's students.

  K-20 education organizations (that is, K-12 schools and school districts, and institutions of higher education) are critical partners in all MSP projects. Specifically, administrators, mathematics and science teachers and guidance counselors in K-12 partner organizations join forces with disciplinary faculty in mathematics, science and/or engineering, education faculty and administrators in higher education partner organizations in activities developed to effect deep, lasting improvement in K-12 mathematics and science education. Furthermore, K-20 partner organizations commit to implementing the coordinated K-20 institutional change necessary to sustain partnerships' successes in the long-term; this includes the continued participation of mathematics, science and engineering faculty in work that clearly results in improved K-12 student and teacher learning.

• Math and Science Partnership: Research, Evaluation, and Technical Assistance (MSP RETA) (nsf#03541)
  The Math and Science Partnership (MSP) program builds on the nation’s dedication to improve mathematics and science education through support of partnerships that unite the efforts of local school districts with faculties of colleges and universities, especially disciplinary faculties in mathematics, science and engineering, and with other stakeholders. The MSP program seeks to improve student outcomes in mathematics and science for all students, at all K-12 levels.

• National Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Digital Library - NSDL (nsf#03530)
  Building on work supported under the multi-agency Digital Libraries Initiative, this program aims to establish a national digital library that will constitute an online network of learning environment and resources for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education at all levels.

• NSF Graduate Teaching Fellows in K-12 Education (nsf#03532)
  This program supports fellowships and associated training that enable graduate students and advanced undergraduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to serve in K-12 schools as resources knowledgeable about both the content and applications of these disciplines. Academic institutions apply for awards to support fellowship activities. The Fellows serve as resources for teachers in science and mathematics instruction. Expected outcomes include improved communication and teaching skills for the Fellows, enriched learning by K-12 students, and professional development opportunities for GK-12 Teachers, and strong partnerships between institutions of higher education and local school districts.

• Partnerships for Innovation - PFI (nsf#03521)
  The goals of the Partnerships for Innovation Program are to: (1) stimulate the transformation of knowledge created by the national research and education enterprise into innovations that create new wealth, build strong local, regional and national economies and improve the national well-being; (2) broaden the participation of all types of academic institutions and all citizens in NSF activities to more fully meet the broad workforce needs of the national innovation enterprise; and (3) catalyze or enhance enabling infrastructure necessary to foster and sustain innovation in the long-term. To develop a set of ideas for pursuing these goals, this competition will support 15-25 promising partnerships among academe, state/local/federal government and the private sector that will explore new approaches to support and sustain innovation

• Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Teacher Preparation (nsf#02130)
  The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Teacher Preparation (STEMTP) program responds to the critical need for qualified teachers of mathematics and science in elementary and secondary schools. The program supports efforts to develop exemplary science and mathematics preK-12 teacher education models that produce and retain effective teachers who have the skills, confidence, and commitment to enable all students to attain high standards of achievement in mathematics, science, engineering, and technology. Partnerships involving institutions of higher education and K-12 school districts will address local needs in terms of teacher shortages by developing and implementing effective strategies for recruiting prospective teachers with strong backgrounds in science and mathematics into teacher certification programs and retaining them in the teacher workforce. Projects will address such areas of local need as workforce diversity, urban or rural teacher shortages, and shortages within specific disciplines or grade levels. The STEMTP program complements the NSF Math and Science Partnership.

• Teacher Professional Continuum - TPC (nsf#03534)
  TPC addresses critical issues and needs regarding the recruitment, preparation, enhancement, and retention of science, technology and mathematics (STM) teachers for grades K-12. Its goals are to improve the quality and coherence of the learning experiences that prepare and enhance STM teachers; to develop innovative resources that prepare and support STM teachers and school and district administrators; to research and develop models and systems that support the teacher professional continuum; to research teacher learning and its impact on teaching practice; and to disseminate this research as well as innovative models and resources to a national audience.

• 2003 PAESMEM - Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (nsf#03503)
  The PAESMEM Program seeks to identify outstanding mentoring efforts that enhance the participation of groups (e.g. women, minorities, and persons with disabilities) that are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The awardees serve as leaders in the national effort to develop fully the Nation’s human resources in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

III. The US Department of Energy
http://www.energy.gov/engine/content.do?BT_CODE=SCIENCE
The Science, Technology, Education and Information link, provides information on research, internships, fellowships, science information websites and online science publications.

K-12


• Science Bowls
  http://www.energy.gov/engine/content.do?BT_CODE=ST_SS19
  

• Teaching & Education
  http://www.energy.gov/engine/content.do?BT_CODE=ST_SS20
  

IV. The US Department of Commerce
http://www.technology.gov/
The Technology Administration is the only federal agency which focuses on the contribution of technology to America's economic growth. There are several technology programs associated with this agency.

• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
  http://www.nist.gov/

• National Technical Information Service (NTIS)
  http://www.ntis.gov/

• Office of Technology Policy
  http://www.ta.doc.gov/OTPolicy/default.htm
  Office of Technology Policy (OTP) is the only office in the federal government with the explicit mission of developing and advocating national policies and initiatives that use technology to build America's economic strength. Working in partnership with the private sector to achieve this objective, OTP’s goals also include the creation of high-wage jobs and improvements in our quality of life.

V. The US Department of Labor

K-12


• High School / High Tech State Development & Implementation Grants
  http://www.dol.gov/odep/regs/hsht.htm
  Contact Info: Cassandra Willis, (202) 693-4570
  Size of Award: 8 grants at approx. $225, 000
  Eligibility: High Schools
  Description: The Labor Department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy will award $1.8 million to assist states in implementing the High School/High Tech (HS/HT) program on a statewide basis. HS/HT is a career development program designed to provide high school aged youth with disabilities with an opportunity to explore careers or gain further education that may lead to technology-related careers. These programs, which have generally been locally directed and supported, serve both in-school and out-of-school youth with disabilities in a year round program of corporate site visits, mentoring, job shadowing, guest speakers, after school activities and summer internships. Eligible applicants for these grants include State Workforce Investment Boards; State Departments of Education; State Departments of Labor; State Developmental Disability Councils; State Departments of Vocational Rehabilitation; or State Committees affiliated with the National Governors' Committees for People with Disabilities, and other similar state agencies. The Department expects to award up to eight competitive grants of approximately $225,000.

VI. NASA
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/index.html
NASA is committed to helping educators inspire the next generation by providing NASA related educational resources and information. NASA provides educator workshops and fellowship opportunities.

http://education.nasa.gov/workshop.html

The following is a list of websites for specific NASA educator programs:

Other


• NASA Aerospace Education Services Program
  http://education.nasa.gov/aesp/index.html
  Nationwide, free program for teachers, students, and the general public. It is designed to increase awareness and understanding of scientific research and technological development and their place in the world in which we live.

• NASA's Educator Resource Centers
  http://education.nasa.gov/ercn/index.html
  Located on or near NASA Field Centers, museums, colleges, or other nonprofit organizations. The ERC's provide educators with in-service and pre-service training, demonstrations, and access to NASA instructional products.

• NASA Explores Program
  http://nasaexplores.com/
  The mission of the NASAexplores initiative is to generate interest in and understanding of NASA's research and technology and to inspire the educational community by using the Internet to provide timely, quality standards-based educational materials. NASAexplores is managed and operated by the Marshall Space Flight Center Education Programs Department on behalf of NASA's Aerospace Technology Enterprise and the Human Exploration and Development of Space (HEDS) Enterprise. Each week, two new articles are published about a current NASA Aerospace Technology or HEDS project. NASAexplores educators adapt the articles for three grade levels: K-4, 5-8, and 9-12. Downloadable lesson plans and activities support the concepts raised by the articles. These materials incorporate and support national educational standards in math, science, geography, and technology. Additionally, topics align with standard subject areas, such as chemistry, biology, and algebra. As a government information source, all of the materials on NASAexplores are considered public domain. The 200+ articles and lessons are not copyrighted, so they may be printed and used as needed.

• NASA Explorer Schools - NES
  http://science.nsta.org/nstaexpress/nstaexpress_2003_09_15_extra.htm
  Selected School Teams of educators and administrators will join NASA in a three-year partnership for sustained professional development to develop rich learning opportunities in mathematics, science, and technology for students and families.

• NASA Faculty Fellowship Program
  http://education.nasa.gov/nffp/
  NASA supports a program of faculty fellowships for full-time engineering and science educators at U.S colleges and universities. In a series of collaborations between NASA research and development centers and nearby universities, engineering and science faculty members spend ten weeks working with professional peers on research, during the summer months.

• NASA Lunar Meteorite Sample Loan Program
  http://education.nasa.gov/lunar.sample/index.html
  Educators can be certified to borrow lunar and meteorite materials by attending a training seminar on security requirements and proper handling procedures. Learn How!

• NASA Opportunities for Visionary Academics - NOVA
  http://education.nasa.gov/nova/index.html
  Works to create, develop and disseminate a national framework for enhancing science, mathematics and technology literacy for pre-service teachers in the 21st century.

• Urban and Rural Community Enrichment Program - URCEP
  http://education.nasa.gov/urcep/
  NASA Aerospace Education Services Program specifically designed to serve middle school educators and students in urban and rural communities to interesting and broadening educational activities. Special emphasis is placed on communications, logic, and reasoning skills that are curriculum related.

VII. TEACHER UNIONS

• American Federation of Teachers - AFT
  http://www.aft.org/
  For scholarships go to: http://www.aft.org/scholarships/index.html

• National Education Association - NEA
  http://www.nea.org/
  http://www.nfie.org/grants.htm

  The NEA Foundation supports a variety of efforts by teachers, education support professionals, and higher education faculty and staff to improve student learning in the nation's public schools, colleges, and universities.
  How to apply for Innovation Grants and Learning & Leadership Grants
  http://www.nfie.org/programs/howtoapply.htm

  The NEA Foundation provides $1,000-$3,000 grants to teachers, education support professionals, and higher education faculty and staff in public schools, colleges, and universities for the purpose of engaging in high-quality professional development or implementing innovative ideas that raise student achievement. Eligible applicants may apply at any time and must follow the directions. All NEA members, including teachers, education support professionals, and higher education faculty and staff, are eligible for the award.
  grant guidelines
  http://www.nfie.org/programs/grantguides.htm

  The NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence
  http://www.nfie.org/programs/teachexcel.htm

  Professional Development Partnerships
  http://www.nfie.org/programs/partnerships.htm
  The NEA Foundation funds systemic demonstration efforts to improve the quality and availability of professional development for public education employees. Application is by invitation only.