Dryden Flight Research Center

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Mission Statement

NASA Dryden Flight Research Center's exciting mission provides a unique asset for engaging and inspiring the next generation of explorers. To accomplish this mission the Office of Academic Investments (OAI) was established as a unifying entity responsible for leading the implementation of all Dryden's educational programs. The main mission of the OAI is to support NASA's Education and Aeronautic Technology Enterprises themes through Dryden's research and flight capabilities. NASA Dryden is committed to expanding the pool of human capital to meet the nation's needs for a highly skilled technical workforce; concurrently supporting our own future needs for maintaining a broad-based, competitive aerospace research and airborne science capability.

Dryden's main role in education is to: 1) Develop a 'PIPELINE' by implementing NASA's new flagship pre-college programs, NASA Explorer Schools Program (NES) and the Educator Astronaut Program (EAP) and through the development of Dryden's unique technological education projects; 2) Enhance the 'WORKFORCE' by building stronger partnerships with the academic community and aerospace industry; and 3) Support Dryden's future 'RESEARCH' needs for maintaining a broad-based, competitive aerospace and airborne science research and flight capability.