Members of NASA's Newest Enterprise Spend A Day Talking/Listening Education

	Dr. Clifford Houston briefs Education Council.

A session with The Goddard Education Council was just part of an all day visit here August 14 by Angela Diaz, Deputy Associate Administrator for the Office of Education and Dr. Clifford Houston, Deputy Associate Administrator for Education Programs at NASA Headquarters.

It was Diaz and Houston's first visit to Goddard as representatives of NASA's newest Enterprise. Representing NASA's Office of Education, the two are each visiting NASA Center to gain a better understanding of the education efforts at the various centers.

Dr. Robert Gabrys, education officer here, began the day with an overview of education programs and infrastructures at Goddard. Specific presentations were given on university programs, space science education, engineering and technology education as well as education initiatives at the Wallops Flight Facility.

After lunch, the representatives from NASA headquarters to meet Goddard's Education Council.

	Angela Diaz, Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of Education

Dr. Houston gave a brief overview of his career before joining NASA. He then gave an education presentation about objectives and goals for the NASA Education Enterprise. "I am excited about being involved with the Office of Education for NASA," said Houston. "We want to inspire, and motivate as well as engage the public," he added.

During his overview Houston stated that the purpose of the Education Enterprise is to organize and focus all education efforts throughout NASA. Dr. Houston said, "Our belief is that this new focus will create a sum that is greater than the participating parts."

"We are less than a year old and have already established the criteria for four new initiatives that we are working," said Diaz. "This is exciting and everyone should be proud," said Diaz.

For NASA's Office of Education the four new initiatives are Educator Astronaut Program, NASA Explorer Schools, the NASA Science and Technology Scholarship Program (STSP) and NASA Explorer Institutes.

The Educator Astronaut Program is currently screening applications received earlier this year. When the selection process is completed several K-12 educators will become permanent members of the Astronaut Corps to perform all jobs and responsibilities of Mission Specialist Astronauts.

The NASA Explorer Schools Program is up and running and includes 50 schools from 30 states. The program is designed to provide customized, extended professional development for educators.

	Dr. Clifford Houston, Deputy Associate Administrator, Education Programs

The Explorers Institute is designed to educate and engage the general public through informal learning venues. This includes cooperative efforts with planetariums, libraries, museums and science centers, as well as community-based organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs and Scouting organizations.

The NASA Science and Technology Scholarship Program will help to motivate and excite students to the challenges and rewards of a career in aerospace research and development. This program will provide scholarship opportunities for college students with an interest in mathematic, science, engineering or technology.

Following their presentations and discussions with committee members the council was adjourned. The remainder of the visit included a brief on Earth Science Education at Goddard and a wrap-up session with members if Goddard's Education Office.

"We have had a lot of support from the President on down with this new initiative," said Diaz about NASA's newest Enterprise. "This is important and you should be proud of what we have already accomplished," concluded Diaz to the Education Council.

For more information about NASA's newest enterprise visit the education web site at http://education.nasa.gov.