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Dwayne Brown
Headquarters, Washington                             January 21, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-1726)

Eileen Hawley
Johnson Space Center, Houston
(Phone: 281/483-5111)

RELEASE: 03-016

NASA ADMINISTRATOR ANNOUNCES OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD 
OPPORTUNITY FOR TEACHERS

Administrator Sean O'Keefe and Florida First Lady Columba Bush today
outlined a unique NASA program designed to show learning in a whole
new light by giving students and teachers across the country an out-
of-this-world experience. 

Mrs. Bush joined the Administrator at Hardy Middle School in
Washington to make the recruitment call to a group of eager students,
teachers, and education professionals.

"I am proud of Florida's unique role in our nation's space program.
In order for that program to enjoy continued success, we must excite
school children into learning about science and mathematics," said
Fla. First Lady Bush. "This program is wonderful because it will
reveal the endless possibilities of space exploration to a new
generation, just like many of the today's NASA scientists were
inspired by a similar calling in the 1960's," she said. 

The program's goals are to generate renewed interest in science and
mathematics and cultivate a new generation of scientists and engineers 
by nominating and recruiting educators for NASA's astronaut corps.

"NASA leads the most ambitious exploration and scientific research
efforts in history," said Administrator O'Keefe. "It's a legacy that
is in jeopardy unless we find innovative ways to get students and the
entire education community excited about mathematics and science. We
believe the Educator Astronaut Program will help us fulfill our
mandate to inspire that next generation of explorers," he said. 

Teachers who want the chance to join the Educator Astronaut Program
may apply using the Educator Astronaut website at:
http://edspace.nasa.gov. The application deadline is April 30, 2003.
Educators with questions about the program, or who do not have access
to the Internet, can call (877/332-7876) toll-free.

NASA will review the applications and select Educator Astronaut
candidates to begin training at the Johnson Space Center in Houston to 
join the astronaut corps. After graduation, new Educator Astronauts 
will be eligible for a Space Shuttle flight assignment as fully 
trained Mission Specialists. 

"Educator Astronauts will be able to provide a direct connection
between America's teachers and students, and the various careers and
opportunities associated with space exploration through the Nation's
aerospace program," said Associate Administrator for Education Dr.
Adena Williams Loston, who will manage the program in Washington.
"Education has always been a part of NASA's mission, and we have
renewed our commitment to get students excited about science,
technology, engineering and mathematics again," Loston said. 

Teachers and representatives from approximately 15 national education 
organizations and associations, including the Challenger Center for
Space Science Education, the National Science Teachers Association and 
Virginia's 2002 Teacher of the Year, joined NASA at today's
announcement. NASA is also working with industry, and other federal,
state and local governments to engage educators, students and the
public. 

Over the next several weeks, NASA Astronaut Leland Melvin and Educator 
Debbie Brown will act as co-managers and ambassadors of the program, 
visiting a number of cities to engage the public in the experience of 
space flight, to explain the program and its many opportunities.

Students, educators, parents, and anyone interested in participating
in the program are invited to join the Educator Astronaut "Earth
Crew."  The Earth Crew is a web- based interactive initiative linking
audiences with education activities and programs, astronaut profiles,
and basic information about NASA, living and working in space. 

"A program this ambitious is needed. Our country needs more students
and educators devoted to science and technology," concluded
Administrator O'Keefe. "The Educator Astronaut Program will help us
accomplish this vital goal necessary to secure our future."

Nominations and access to the Educator Astronaut Program are available 
through the Internet, along with additional information about NASA's 
education initiatives at: 

http://edspace.nasa.gov
http://education.nasa.gov/
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov

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