Schools May Apply For Outreach Grants Through New Mexico Space Academy

The New Mexico Museum of Space History’s educational division, New Mexico Space Academy, is requesting proposals for the STARS (Students and Teachers Achieving Real Science) Grant Program. The STARS program will make a total of six $500 grants in 2010 to be used towards bringing the New Mexico Space Academy’s traveling science education program to qualifying rural underserved schools within the state.

Institutions eligible to apply for the STARS grants include all public schools, charter schools, alternate schools and private schools within the state of New Mexico. The grant program is open to schools serving students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. More than one school within a particular PED district may apply. Rural underserved schools are encouraged to apply and will be given preference.

Funding for the grants was provided by proceeds from the White Sands Star Party, an annual event held by the Museum in conjunction with White Sands National Monument and local astronomy groups. “Each year, what profit is generated through the Star Party is designated for education programs through the Museum. We are very pleased to now use that funding for the New Mexico Space Academy STARS Grant Program, especially considering today’s economy and the already tight budgets at New Mexico schools. These grants will bring our educational programs into the classroom and directly benefit the teachers and the students,” said Museum Director Randall Hayes. “It is our goal to use this opportunity to inspire students to achieve in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”

The request for proposals and grant application are available for download on the STARS Grant Program page. For more information, contact Gabriel Veach, Education Director with the New Mexico Space Academy, at 575-437-2840 ext. 41132.