NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

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Program Description

The High School Shadowing Project provides high school students with a career exploration experience for 1 day or up to 5 days (i.e., junior/senior projects) at the NASA John H. Glenn Research Center (GRC). Opportunities are available during the school year for students interested in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and professional administration. This project is sponsored by the Educational Programs Office (EPO).

Program Goal

Shadowing provides high school students with an opportunity to explore career possibilities in a research and development environment while under the guidance of a GRC scientist, engineer, technician, or administrative professional that serves as the student’s mentor. Students are provided with information about various careers, career paths, and GRC educational resources and programs.

Students will depart from GRC with knowledge that will be of value to them in career decision making and an awareness of additional educational opportunities and resources at GRC. The EPO is committed to increasing the number and diversity of students from underrepresented and underserved communities in NASA-related STEM fields. Traditionally, underrepresented groups in STEM include females, African-American, Hispanics, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders (natives of the Philippines, Guam, American Samoa, or Micronesia), and disabled students. Please be advised that while the project is open to all equally qualified candidates, GRC is very interested in recruiting applicants who belong to a recognized underrepresented group in STEM

Eligibility Requirements

1. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, a high school student, and at least 16 years of age by the application deadline
2. Students who were 2011–2012 project participants must submit an application and meet the eligibility requirements.

Project Requirements

1. Students typically shadow for 1 day. Junior or senior project shadowing opportunities (up to 5 days) are very limited.
2. Students are required to attend orientation and wrap-up meeting.
3. Students must complete evaluations—pre- and post- for long-term students.

Students must agree to complete the shadowing experience between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Students who are participating in longer formal school career programs (up to 5 days) must be available every business day on a full time basis for the duration of their project. Students are required to adhere to all NASA safety, security, and program guidelines. Completion of the evaluations is a project requirement as feedback is vital to the success of our programs.

Long Term (Junior/Senior) Projects

Long-term projects are limited to up to 5 days (1 week) and are dependent upon the mentors’ availability. All long-term project applicants will be accepted under the following conditions:

1. There is an employee in the mentor pool interested in mentoring a long-term project student in your area of interest or you already have identified a NASA employee on your application who will serve as your mentor.
2. Student agrees to provide project forms and coordinate project with mentor prior to arrival. Not providing papers in a timely manner could jeopardize a scheduled junior/senior project experience as mentors need time to prepare for students and respond to school guidelines.
3. Long term projects are available March through May.
4. Travel and lodging expenses are at the student/family’s expense. Lodging information can be provided upon request.

Application

Students must complete and return the application DOWNLOAD NOW and forms of the entire application packet. Applications must be postmarked or date-stamped by our office no later than the deadline dates. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Placements cannot be made without the signature of a parent or guardian (if applicable). Return all forms to:

NASA Glenn Research Center
Educational Programs Office
Attn: Shadowing Project, Mail Stop 7–4
21000 Brookpark Road
Cleveland, OH 44135–3191

Selection Process

Student requests will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Application packet must be complete for consideration.

Shadowing placements are dependent upon the availability of appropriate GRC mentors and facilities. The Educational Programs Office cannot guarantee a shadowing experience and will not sign any forms that state a shadowing experience is guaranteed. Each session has limited placement.

Notification

EPO will notify the applicants via e-mail and cc the parent/guardian, and guidance counselor noted on the student’s application by the appropriate notification date listed below. Students will be contacted to confirm their attendance. Students should notify the NASA Glenn Educational Programs Office (EPO) by phone, 216–433–6656 or via e-mail, GRC-Intern@mail.nasa.gov, if their e-mail, phone (home/cell), or home address changes. Students should also call or e-mail when inquiring about the status of their application or to obtain additional information.

Session I - December 4, 2012
Application Deadline - November 2, 2012
Notification Date - November 20, 2012

Session II - February 27, 2013
Application Deadline - January 25, 2013
Selection Notification Date - February 13, 2013

Session III - March 26, 2013
Application Deadline - February 22, 2013
Selection Notification Date - March 8, 2013

Session IV - April 24, 2013
Application Deadline - February 22, 2013
Selection Notification Date - April 5, 2013

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NASA Glenn Educational Programs Office Contact:
GRC Educational Programs Office
Phone: (216) 433-6656
E-mail: GRC-Intern@mail.nasa.gov