NASA Invites Virginia Students to Become 2011-2012 Aerospace Scholars

HAMPTON, Va., Oct. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Are you looking for an experience that is out of this world? Planning a mission to Mars and gaining college credit are just two perks high school juniors in Virginia can experience through the Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) program.

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The program, in its fifth year at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., is now accepting applications for its semester-long, interactive online science, technology, engineering and math program that teaches students about aerospace exploration. Learning takes place through simulations, weekly reading assignments, video segments and online games and quizzes. The program is open to high school juniors, including homeschoolers, across the Commonwealth.

Deadline for application is Nov. 4.

Based on course performance, scholars may be selected to spend a week at NASA Langley where they will work with scientists and engineers, design and build robotic rovers, learn about NASA careers and chart a course to Mars.

Upon completion of the program, students can receive up to four college credits from Thomas Nelson Community College.

The Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars program uses a NASA-developed curriculum with a space-based theme, and is aligned with Virginia standards of learning. Master educators work with students online, providing guidance and feedback on assignments.

VASTS is a partnership between the Virginia Space Grant Consortium and NASA Langley Research Center with assistance from the Virginia Department of Education and industry partners.

For more information on the VASTS program and for an application, visit:

www.vasts.spacegrant.org

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SOURCE NASA