NASA has partnered with the US Department of Education to bring science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education to after-school programs across the country. The interagency program, known as the 21st Century Community Learning Centers, aims to reach approximately 1,000 students in over 60 sites across 10 states. NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy emphasized the importance of supporting after-school programs with tools to engage students in STEM education, inspiring the next generation of researchers, explorers, and innovators.
The program was kicked off at the Wheatley Education Campus in Washington, where students participated in an engineering design challenge and heard from key officials, including Kris Brown, NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement Deputy Associate Administrator, and Cindy Marten, US Department of Education Deputy Secretary. Through this collaboration, NASA’s Glenn Research Center will provide NASA-related content, staff training, and opportunities for students to engage with NASA scientists and engineers, using their creativity and problem-solving skills to tackle real-world challenges.
NASA and US Department of Education Collaborate on STEM Education Initiative
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the United States Department of Education have joined forces to promote science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education among students during after-school hours. This interagency program, known as the 21st Century Community Learning Centers, aims to engage approximately 1,000 students across more than 60 sites in 10 states.
The initiative was launched on September 23, 2024, at the Wheatley Education Campus in Washington, where students participated in NASA hands-on activities and an engineering design challenge. The program’s objective is to provide students with opportunities to develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills through real-world challenges that NASA engineers and scientists face.
NASA’s Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating that “together with the Education Department, NASA aims to create a brighter future for the next generation of explorers.” She added that NASA is committed to supporting after-school programs across the country with the tools they need to engage students in the excitement of NASA.
The Role of NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement plays a crucial role in this initiative. The office will provide NASA-related content and academic projects for students, as well as in-person staff training, continuous program support, and opportunities for students to engage with NASA scientists and engineers. Through engineering design challenges, students will use their creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to help solve real-world challenges that NASA engineers and scientists may face.
Kris Brown, deputy associate administrator of NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, highlighted the significance of this program, stating that “the 21st Century Community Learning Centers will provide a unique opportunity to inspire students through hands-on learning and real-world problem solving.” He added that by engaging in learning opportunities with NASA scientists and engineers, students will not only develop critical thinking and creativity but also discover the joy of learning.
The Importance of STEM Education
STEM education is essential for preparing the next generation of researchers, explorers, and innovators. By investing in STEM education initiatives like this, NASA and the Education Department aim to inspire curiosity, nurture potential, and empower students to pursue careers in these fields.
Cindy Marten, deputy secretary of the Education Department, emphasized that “through this collaboration between the U.S. Department of Education and NASA, we are unlocking limitless opportunities for students to explore, innovate, and thrive in STEM fields.” She added that the 21st Century Community Learning Centers play a pivotal role in making this vision a reality by providing essential after-school programs that ignite curiosity and empower the next generation of thinkers, problem-solvers, and explorers.
The Memorandum of Understanding and Space Act Agreement
In May 2023, NASA and the Education Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding, strengthening collaboration between the two agencies and expanding efforts to increase access to high-quality STEM and space education to students and schools across the nation. NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland also signed a follow-on Space Act Agreement in 2024 to support the 21st Century Community Learning Centers.
The program, managed by the Education Department and funded by Congress, is the only federal funding source dedicated exclusively to after-school programs. This collaboration demonstrates the commitment of both agencies to promoting STEM education and inspiring the next generation of explorers.
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