Deadline to Apply for Idaho Science & Aerospace Scholars Program is Nearing...

The deadline for students to apply for the second year of the Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholars Program is nearing.

This competitive program provides an unprecedented opportunity for Idaho students to take an engaging online course in space exploration and learn a broad range of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills and work side-by-side with STEM experts from NASA and from right here in Idaho.

High juniors interested in participating must apply by November 15, 2010.

So what is the program all about?

The Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholars (ISAS) is a competitive program that allows high school juniors to take an engaging online NASA-developed course on Space Exploration that teaches a broad range of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills aligned with Idaho Content Standards. Based on their course performance, scholars may be selected to participate in an expense-paid, resident academy at NASA Ames Research Center in California.

The ISAS Coursework is offered online through Idaho Digital Learning Academy from January through May. This graded course consists of eight online units and a semester project that allow students to build their knowledge of NASA, space exploration and their relationship to Idaho STEM. Master educators will work with students online throughout the course. At the completion of the course, students will have the opportunity to participate in the ISAS Capstone Celebration, a regional gathering with other scholars, at universities and other locations throughout the state. Based on their performance in this course, students may also be selected to participate in an expense-paid, week-long residential academy at NASA Ames Research Center in California and Boise State University. Students will receive one science credit for successful completion of online coursework.

The ISAS Summer Academy is offered to select students who are top performers in the online course. At the residential Summer Academy students will be exposed to math, science, engineering and technology mentors and master educators at NASA Ames Research Center in California and Boise State University. They will undertake a mentored team aerospace mission and will be immersed in hands-on Idaho STEM activities.

So if you know of any high school juniors who have a passion for STEM subjects, please urge them to apply for this outstanding program.  Remember, the application deadline is November 15, 2010.

~ Melissa M.