Grant to Enhance Youth STEM Education and Engagement Through Year-Round Aerospace-Themed Events
The Intrepid Museum has been awarded a $40,000 grant from NASA as part of the agency's initiative to ignite excitement in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), aerospace and NASA among students and their learning support systems. This grant will support the Museum's NASA Explore Days, a series of engaging and educational events designed to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and explorers.
NASA Explore Days at the Intrepid Museum will offer five large-scale, complimentary events for youth and their families to explore and connect with NASA missions through Museum-related content and NASA-generated educational activities. These events are designed to promote inclusivity, with a specific focus on attracting Black and Latino/a/x students in grades 5-8, communities that remain notably underrepresented in STEM disciplines. The objective is to enlighten participants about aerospace careers, participate in NASA's STEM curriculum and foster a sense of belonging in a STEM-focused landscape.
"The Intrepid Museum is committed to making STEM education accessible to and raising awareness of opportunities in aerospace among all students, regardless of their background," said Lynda Kennedy, vice president of education & evaluation at the Intrepid Museum. "We are honored to receive this funding, which will help enhance the Museum's impact and strengthen our ability to build sustainable connections within the community. Our ultimate goal is to inspire students to pursue their interests in science, technology, engineering and math, and cultivate the next generation of innovators."
The first NASA Explore Days will be held during the Museum’s Astronomy Night on September 27, from 5-9pm ET. This free event offers not only fun-filled experiences but also a wealth of educational opportunities for the whole family, including talks from astronauts and activities and demonstrations led by Museum educators. Special guest speakers include NASA Astronaut Tom Jones and former NASA Astronaut Sidney Gutierrez. Local astronomers will also be on hand with high-powered telescopes to help visitors navigate the night sky and answer questions about astronomy.
The NASA grant is part of a larger $3.7 million initiative awarded to 17 museums, science centers, and other informal education institutions across the United States.
For more information about NASA Explore Days and other educational programs at the Intrepid Museum, please visit www.intrepidmuseum.org.
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