NASA gives students “Sharp” experience

NASA and Modern Technology Systems, Inc., Riverdale, MD,
have selected 208 students to participate in hands-on
research at various NASA field installations. NASA’s 2001
Summer High School Apprenticeship Research Program, or SHARP,
not only allows the students to actually participate in
research but pays them a salary as well.

An intensive science and engineering apprenticeship program,
SHARP is specifically designed to attract and increase
underrepresented students’ participation and success rates in
mathematics, science, technology and engineering courses.
SHARP also is used to encourage career paths that help build
a pool of underrepresented science and engineering
professionals in the work place.

SHARP apprentices are selected from an applicant pool of
approximately 1,200 students nationwide. During their eight-
week apprenticeships, students can conduct meaningful
research and participate in a variety of educational and
professional development activities.

Since its inception in 1980, approximately 3,114 students
have participated in the program and more than 3,400 NASA
employees have served as SHARP mentors. Although the program
is for underrepresented groups, NASA seeks diversity in all
student support programs. Consequently, all eligible high
school students are encourage to apply to the program.

SHARP is sponsored by NASA’s Education Division and
participating NASA field installations. The program is
managed by Modern Technology Systems, Inc.

More information is available at: www.mtsibase.com/sharp