NASA Collaborates with Boys and Girls Clubs of America to Inspire the Next Generation of Explorers

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Sep 18, 2013, 09:05 ET

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NASA signed a Space Act Agreement Wednesday with the Boys and Girls Club of America (BGCA) to infuse the agency's science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) content into their activities and inspire students nationwide.

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The signing ceremony took place at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington during a celebration to announce BGCA's 2013 Youth of the Year. Leland Melvin, NASA associate administrator for education and former space shuttle astronaut, signed the agreement on behalf of the agency.

Rep. Chaka Fattah of Pennsylvania has championed this effort.

"This collaboration will foster a new generation interested in STEM careers," said Fattah. "To be successful we must expose today's youth to meaningful experiences in these fields. NASA represents the best in innovation, science, and space exploration. Coupling this expertise with BGCA's unparalleled work in youth mentoring, leadership and development will be impactful for millions of our nation's students."

"NASA utilizes its unique missions, facilities and expertise to inspire students to pursue STEM studies and careers," Melvin said. "We are fortunate -- there is an inherent interest and excitement in what we do. By involving students in hands-on activities related to our missions and research, we are inspiring America's next generation of rocket scientists and space explorers."

BGCA reaches a youth audience of almost 4 million nationwide, many coming from underserved sectors of the community. By making relevant STEM education content available to them, NASA is helping to cultivate a future technical workforce that is representative of the nation's diverse population.

To learn more about the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, visit:
http://www.bgca.org

To learn more about NASA's education programs, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/education

SOURCE NASA