Education Overview

The Space Foundation is developing the next generation of space professionals - and building the overall technological strength of the nation - through a wide variety of programs that stimulate students' interest and skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Programs include:

• The Space Foundation Discovery Institute (SFDI), based in Colorado Springs, Colo., provides space-themed professional development, training and support for teachers and students from around the world. SFDI houses classrooms, the AGI Space Missions Simulator, a NASA Educator Resource Center and the Mars Yard simulated Martian terrain and robotics laboratory.
• Space Across the Curriculum, week-long intensive graduate-level courses that provide PreK-12 educators with space-related STEM education knowledge and content that is instantly transferable to the classroom. Participants can earn continuing education credits or graduate credits at Colorado State University -Pueblo, Regis University or the College of Education at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) or work toward a master's degree in multiple related disciplines from Regis University or UCCS. Scholarships are available for teachers.
• New Horizons Space Education Program, a community-centered science enrichment program that infuses STEM education into a community through student programs, teacher workshops, field trips, town-hall meetings and astronaut and space professional visits.
• Teacher Liaisons, advocates for space-related education who receive Space Foundation training and resources to further integrate space into their classrooms and participate in workshops and education programs at the National Space Symposium. 
• STARS Program (Science, Technology and Academic Readiness for Space), a hands-on science enrichment program for students based on participant schools' specific academic needs.
• National Science Standards Lesson Bank, free downloadable PreK-12 national science standards-based lessons, www.sciencestandardslessons.org.
• Jack Swigert Aerospace Academy, an aerospace-focused public middle school created in conjunction with Colorado Springs School District 11 that drives science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics proficiency through a space-related curriculum, access to SFDI laboratories and learning opportunities and involvement with Space Foundation programs.
• Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award, given annually by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation (AMF), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the Space Foundation to recognize outstanding contributions to technology education by K-12 educators or district-level personnel. Named after Alan Shepard, one of the original seven Mercury astronauts, the first American to fly in space, one of only 12 humans who have walked on the moon and a former AMF board member, the award is presented during the Opening Ceremony of the Space Foundation's annual National Space Symposium at The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs.

For more information on these and more Space Foundation education programs, go to www.SpaceFoundation.org/education.