NASA Program Offers Real-world Research Opportunities for Students
This summer, 200 high school students get to put their
classroom studies to the test and get their hands on some
real-world science research.
NASA and the Quality Education for Minorities (QEM) Network
selected the students as participants in the 2001 NASA Summer
High School Apprenticeship Research Program, known as SHARP
PLUS.
Selected from more than 700 applicants, this year’s
apprentices represent 153 high schools in 32 states, the
District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin
Islands.
The SHARP PLUS Program is a major strategy for increasing,
strengthening, and diversifying the country’s future pool of
mathematics, science, engineering and technology majors and
professionals.
Although SHARP PLUS apprentices have excelled in mathematics
and science courses, most students have not had the
opportunity to apply this knowledge in a true research
environment. To provide this experience, the Program links
students to professional research scientists and engineers in
university and industry settings.
“SHARP PLUS creates an opportunity for students to work with
professional researchers and gain hands-on experience in
mathematics, science, engineering and technology,” said
Deborah Glasco, Program Manager, NASA’s Education Division,
NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC. “If we seek to make a
contribution to the rapidly changing laboratories of
tomorrow, we must support science initiatives that introduce
and excite our youth today.”
The students participate in hands-on research projects under
the guidance of professional mentors and gain a better
understanding of the discipline, responsibility and enjoyment
associated with scientific research.
Apprentices prepare papers on their research and formally
present their findings at the conclusion of the Program. This
Summer, from June 11 to Aug. 3, SHARP PLUS apprentices will
reside on the campuses of 10 universities that have joined in
partnership with NASA and QEM to implement the Program.
In addition to research, the apprentices participate in a
wide variety of enrichment activities organized by the host
universities. These activities range from information
sessions on math, science and engineering careers, to test-
taking and computer skills workshops, to an overview of
college admissions and financial aid procedures.
Universities that will host the 2001 NASA SHARP PLUS students
are:
- * California State University, Los Angeles
- * Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
- * Hampton University, Hampton, VA
- * Jackson State University, Jackson, MS
- * North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC
- * University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- * University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
- * Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN
- * Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
- * University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
- * Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
“SHARP PLUS sets high expectations for academic achievement
and seeks to increase the participation and success rate of
talented students from groups underrepresented in challenging
mathematics and science courses at the pre-college level,”
said Shirley McBay, President, QEM Network, and SHARP PLUS
Program Director.
The NASA SHARP PLUS Program is managed for NASA’s Education
Division by QEM Network, Washington, DC. QEM is a non-profit
organization dedicated to improving the education of
minorities and other underrepresented groups.
For more information and a complete list of students selected
for the program, visit:
