June 28, 2006

Laura Lewis
NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif.
Phone: 650-604-2162/9000
E-mail: llewis@mail.arc.nasa.gov

RELEASE: 06_46AR

NASA LAUNCHES NEW EDUCATION INITIATIVE FOR MINORITY STUDENTS

NASA kicked off a new initiative with the United Negro College Fund 
Special Programs Corporation on Wednesday. The initiative will give 
researchers and students from minority institutions direct access to 
NASA facilities, scientists and capabilities. 

Funded by a $3.5 million grant from NASA, the corporation will 
establish the NASA Science and Technology Institute for Minority 
Institutions. The institute will be in the NASA Research Park at the 
agency's Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif.

Focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the 
institute will bring together the talent and expertise of 
historically black colleges and universities; Hispanic-serving 
institutions; tribal colleges and universities; and other minority 
institutions through research-based fellowships, internships, co-ops 
and grants. 

"I am truly delighted that NASA is partnering with the corporation to 
establish this revolutionary new institute." said Ames Director S. 
Pete Worden. "This joint venture will give minority students and 
researchers access to NASA and the opportunity to collaborate with 
researchers in the surrounding community of universities, high-tech 
research and development companies." 

The goal of the initiative is to provide professional development that 
will prepare faculty, students, researchers, visionaries and 
entrepreneurs to become highly-skilled science and technology leaders 
and managers. The preparation will enable them to compete in the 
national and global workforce.

"The establishment of this institute truly demonstrates and highlights 
NASA's continuing commitment to promoting science, technology, 
engineering, and mathematics excellence in the minority higher 
education community," said Aaron R. Andrews, president and CEO of the 
corporation.

Officials announced the formation of the new NSTI-MI during a press 
conference hosted by Google Inc. at its corporate offices in Mountain 
View, Calif., located near NASA Ames.

"As part of our ongoing efforts to help introduce more minorities into 
the technology workforce, we are happy to host NASA and UNCFSP as 
they announce their joint initiative," said Alan Eustace, senior vice 
president of engineering and research for Google. "Our close 
proximity with the Ames Research Center will help foster strong ties 
with UNCFSP and its students, and we look forward to welcoming 
interns to Google."

The UNCFSP is a spin-off of the United Negro College Fund. Founded in 
April 2000, the UNCFSP is an independently established nonprofit 
organization with the broad mandate of serving domestic and 
international minority institutions.

For information about NASA education programs, visit:



http://www.nasa.gov/education



For information about the corporation, call Gwen McFaden at 
703-205-8138 or visit:



http://www.uncfsp.org/



For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:



http://www.nasa.gov/home

	
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