National Aeronautics and 

SpaceAdministration

NAC STEM 

Engagement 

Meeting FEBRUARY 17, 2022

1
NAC STEM ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING

Thursday, February 17, 1 pm to 5 pm Eastern

Open to the Public

Returning Committee Members

Agenda:

• Opening Remarks by Chair

• STEM Engagement Update, 

Goals and Strategy

• Priorities for 2022

• Review Earlier Findings and 

Recommendations to the 

NASA Advisory Council

• Formulation of New Findings 

and Recommendations

• Other Related Topics

New Committee Members

Kristin De Vivo

Executive Director

Lucas Education Research

Jamarius Reid, Student Representative

President, Student Government Association

Embry-Riddle Worldwide

Full Details Available on the Federal Register website

2
Landscape

Overview of STEM Engagement

NAC Topics Review

Broadening Participation

K-12 Efforts

Partnerships

Measuring Success

Discussion

AGENDA
NASA STRATEGY FOR STEM ENGAGEMENT 2020-23

Increased emphasis 

on diversity, equity 

and inclusion

VISION

We immerse students in NASA’s work, enhance STEM 

literacy, and inspire the next generation to explore.

MISSION

We engage students in NASA’s mission.

Strategic Goals

Create unique 

opportunities for a 

diverse set of students 

to contribute to NASA’s 

work in exploration and 

discovery.

Build a diverse future STEM 

workforce by engaging 

students in authentic learning 

experiences with NASA’s 

people, content, and facilities.

Attract diverse groups of 

students to STEM through 

learning opportunities that 

spark interest and provide 

connections to NASA’s 

mission and work.

4
For Internal Use Only

NASA’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE STEM ECOSYSTEM

5
6

STEM ENGAGEMENT ALIGNMENT WITH OSTP/OMB PRIORITIES

*OSTP/OMB Memo

OSTP/OMB 

R&D PRIORITIES

Pandemic Readiness & 

Prevention

Tackling Climate Change

Catalyze Research and 

Innovation in Critical and 

Emerging Technologies

Innovation for Equity

National Security and 

Economic Resilience

STEM Education and 

Engagement

NASA PRIORITIES

Climate Change

Equity and Inclusion

Cybersecurity

Exploration and Leadership

NASA STEM ENGAGEMENT

STRATEGIC GOALS

1. Create unique opportunities for 

a diverse set of students to 

contribute to NASA’s work in 

exploration and discovery

2. Build a diverse future STEM 

workforce by engaging 

students in authentic learning 

experiences with NASA’s 

people, content, and facilities

3. Attract diverse groups of 

students to STEM through 

learning opportunities that spark 

interest and provide connections 

to NASA’s mission and work
7

VICE PRESIDENT’S FIRST NATIONAL SPACE COUNCIL MEETING

“We must encourage 

more of our students to 

pursue STEM careers.”

Vice President Harris

December 1, 2021

Opening remarks at the first meeting of 

the National Space Council

• Vice President Harris, along with NASA 

Administrator Nelson and Dept. of 

Education Secretary Cardona, discussed 

the importance of STEM in maintaining the 

competitiveness of the United States and 

the country’s future progress.

• This video shows highlights from their 

remarks.

• Announced the release of the United States 

Space Priorities Framework

• Guides the council’s efforts to develop 

and implement national space policy 

and strategy

• Includes language on increasing 

diversity, equity, accessibility, and 

inclusion in STEM.
Landscape

Overview of STEM Engagement

NAC Topics Review

Broadening Participation

K-12 Efforts

Partnerships

Measuring Success

Discussion

AGENDA
NASA STRATEGY FOR STEM ENGAGEMENT 2020-23

Emphasis on diversity, equity 

and inclusion with focus on 

broadening participation

1

STRATEGIC GOAL 1: Create 

unique opportunities for a 

diverse set of students to 

contribute to NASA’s work in 

exploration and discovery.

OBJECTIVES:

1.1 Provide student work 

experiences that enable students to 

contribute to NASA’s missions and 

programs, embedded with NASA’s 

STEM practitioners. 

1.2 Create structured and widelyaccessible experiential learning 

opportunities for students to engage 

with NASA’s experts and help solve 

problems that are critical to NASA’s 

mission.

2

STRATEGIC GOAL 2: Build a 

diverse future STEM workforce by 

engaging students in authentic 

learning experiences with NASA’s 

people, content and facilities.

OBJECTIVES:

2.1 Develop and deploy a continuum of 

STEM experiences through authentic 

learning and research opportunities with 

NASA’s people and work to cultivate 

student interest, including students from 

unrepresented and 

underserved communities, in pursuing 

STEM careers and foster interest in 

aerospace fields.

2.2 Design the portfolio of NASA 

STEM engagement opportunities to 

contribute toward meeting Agency 

workforce requirements and serving the 

nation’s aerospace and relevant 

STEM needs.

3

STRATEGIC GOAL 3: Attract 

diverse groups of students to 

STEM through learning 

opportunities that spark interest

and provide connections to 

NASA’s mission and work.

OBJECTIVES:

3.1 Attract a broad and diverse set of 

students to STEM through targeted 

opportunities and readily available 

NASA STEM engagement resources 

and content.

3.2 Foster student exposure to 

STEM careers through direct and 

virtual experiences with NASA’s 

people and work.

9
NASA STEM ENGAGEMENT

STEM Engagement 

Continuum

Grades K-4

Grades 5-8

Grades 9-12

Undergraduate Graduate

ATTRACT Student STEM Pathways

INSPIRE – ENGAGE – EDUCATE – EMPLOY

Attracting students 

is the foundation of a successful model to build 

a diverse future STEM workforce

Key Elements Moving Forward:

• Evidence-based opportunities 

that attract students (Gr K-5)

• Accessible and engaging 

opportunities that enable STEM 

pathways (Gr K-8)

• Immersive, experiential learning 

that leads to STEM pursuits (Gr 

9-12)

• Experiences to support 

successful workforce entry 

(Higher Ed)

• Strategies to broaden student 

participation at all points along 

the continuum

• Partnerships and networks to 

build essential connections to 

the STEM ecosystem

10
STEM ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIC DIRECTION - FY2022-23 FOCUS AREAS

• Implement strategies to broaden student participation to 

increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM through 

NASA opportunities and activities.

• Continue to build productive strategic partnerships and 

networks, expanding NASA’s STEM ecosystem to magnify 

reach and impact.

• Expand NASA contributions in engaging K-12 

students in STEM pathways, with an approach toward a 

continuum of experiences.

11
NASA STEM Engagement 

Resources and Opportunities
stem.nasa.gov

NASA RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO EDUCATORS

13

Educator Resources 

and Awards

• Standards-aligned lessons, 

educator guides, activities, 

and supplements

Professional 

Development 

Opportunities

• Trainings and opportunities 

through the Educator 

Professional Development 

Collaborative (EPDC)

• NASA CONNECTS 

Community of Practice

Where to Access

• Our website, stem.nasa.gov

• NASA EXPRESS Newsletter, a 

weekly email bringing you the 

latest STEM resources 

and activities directly to 

your inbox!

• Follow NASA STEM on 

Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and 

Pinterest
stem.nasa.gov 14

NASA CONNECTS COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE

An online, professional learning community for educators to collaborate with each other and NASA.

Join Discussions & 

Connect With 

Others

Share & Discover 

New Best Practices

Learn About 

Upcoming Events

Museum & Informal 

Education Alliance

Ask Questions

& Get Answers

Download Free

STEM Products

See The Latest 

Opportunities
stem.nasa.gov 15

WAYS STUDENTS CAN ENGAGE WITH NASA

Where Students 

Can Learn More

• Our website, 

stem.nasa.gov

• Internship website,

intern.nasa.gov

• Follow NASA STEM on 

Facebook, Twitter, 

YouTube and Pinterest

Student Challenges 

and Experiences

• Lunabotics Junior (K-12) 

Challenge

• NASA GLOBE

• Artemis Student Challenges

• NASA SPARX Challenges and 

Competitions

• NASA Community College 

Aerospace Scholars

Internships

Students 16 years and 

older can apply for 

internships at NASA.
NASA INTERNSHIPS PROGRAM

Key Elements*

• U.S. Citizen

• Cumulative 3.00 GPA 

(on a 4.0 scale)

• Full –time student

• 16+ years of age

• Stipend payment

• Sessions: Summer,

Fall and Spring

Virtual internships 

available

* Learn more at intern.nasa.gov

16
ARTEMIS STUDENT CHALLENGES

NASA is committed to landing the first woman and first person of color on the Moon 

using innovative technologies to explore more of the lunar surface than ever before! 

Discover the Artemis Student Challenges and explore how you can take part in one 

of NASA’s mission-related challenges.

Student Launch is a 

research-based, 

competitive 

experiential 

exploration activity 

open to colleges, 

universities, high 

schools, and middle 

schools. It strives to 

provide relevant, costeffective research and 

development of rocket 

propulsion systems.

Human Exploration

Rover Challenge 

(HERC) is an annual 

competition that 

challenges high 

school and college 

students worldwide 

to create a vehicle 

designed to traverse 

the simulated surface 

of another world.

Micro-g Neutral 

Buoyancy 

Experiment Design

Teams (Micro-g

NExT) encourages 

undergraduate 

students to design, 

build, and test a tool 

or device that 

addresses an 

authentic, current 

space exploration 

challenge.

First Nations

Launch Competition

provides Native 

American college 

students the 

opportunity to build 

and launch class K 

high-powered rockets. 

Teams attend 

workshops to learn 

concepts necessary 

for a successful 

launch.

NASA Spacesuit

User Interface

Technologies

for Students

(SUITS) Design

Challenge requires 

undergraduate and 

graduate student 

teams to design and 

create spacesuit 

information displays 

within an augmented 

reality environment.

Lunabotics

Competition

challenges 

university-level 

teams to design, 

build, and run their 

autonomously 

operated robot, 

traverse the 

simulated off-world 

terrain, and excavate 

the simulated lunar 

regolith.

Big Idea Challenge

is an annual, open 

innovation challenge 

seeking new 

concepts and 

creative solutions 

from student teams 

at Space Grantaffiliated colleges 

and universities. 

These teams support 

the Space 

Technology Mission 

Directorate’s work 

maturing high-impact 

technologies for a 

broad array of NASA 

missions.

To learn more about the Artemis Student Challenges visit stem.nasa.gov/artemis
stem.nasa.gov 18

GETTING STUDENTS EXCITED ABOUT ARTEMIS

NASA's Artemis 

Student Challenges

Middle, high school, 

undergraduate and 

graduate students compete 

in Artemis Student 

Challenges while building 

foundational knowledge on 

topics and technologies 

critical to the success of 

Artemis. 

Artemis Launch and 

Splashdown Event 

Planning Guide

A comprehensive guide of 

Artemis topics, 

resources, and activities 

aligned with national STEM 

education standards to get 

you and your students 

actively engaged in 

Artemis.

Artemis Learning 

Pathway

An eight-week e-newsletter 

series bringing the latest 

Artemis-related resources 

directly to your inbox 

surrounding the Artemis I 

launch.

Explore the many ways you can get your student 

excited about the Artemis missions 

at: stem.nasa.gov/artemis/
stem.nasa.gov 19

Program Updates and Recent 

Accomplishments
STEM ENGAGEMENT

PROGRAMELEMENTS

NASA’S MISSION THEMATICAREAS

NASA STEM ENGAGEMENT PROJECTS

SPACE GRANT

A national network of colleges and universities with 

over 1,000 affiliate institutions and organizations

located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 

Puerto Rico.

Purpose: Expands opportunities for students

to participate in NASA’s aeronautics and space 

projects.

EPSCOR

The Established Program to Stimulate Competitive 

Research (EPSCoR) funds partnerships with 

government, higher education, and industry in 28 

eligible jurisdictions (25 states and three territories).

Purpose: Effects sustainable improvements in a state 

or region's research infrastructure, capacity, 

and competitiveness.

MUREP

The Minority University Research and Education 

Project (MUREP) supports minority-serving 

institutions (MSIs) to enhance research, academic, 

and technology capabilities.

Purpose: Increases retention of underserved 

and underrepresented groups in STEM.

NEXT GEN

STEM

Next Generation STEM (Next Gen STEM) creates K-12 

and informal education STEM engagement 

initiatives aligned to NASA mission priorities.

Purpose: Attracts and retains student interest in STEM 

careers, building a vibrant next-generation workforce.

EDUCATIONALTOOLS ANDPLATFORMS

Focus: Access and scalability • Suite of tools and platforms enabling 

student engagement and data collection  NASA STEM Gateway (Phase 1 

operational in early FY21)

 stem.nasa.gov  intern.nasa.gov  NASA STEM@Home

PERFORMANCEMEASUREMENT ANDEVALUATION

Focus: Outcomes and metrics • Learning agenda • Targeted studies

STRATEGICPARTNERSHIPS

Focus: Scalability • Comprehensive approach to foster and 

stimulate strategic partnerships

• New strategy began in FY 2020

INTERNSHIPS ANDFELLOWSHIPS

Focus: Diversity and Inclusion • Enterprise model in collaboration with 

mission directorates and centers

ENABLING CROSS-CUTTING FUNCTIONS

STEM ENGAGEMENT BENEFICIARIES

K-Elementary 

School Middle School High School Undergraduate Gradua et

20
NOTABLE FY2021 ACCOMPLISHMENTS: SPACE GRANT

• Expanded partnerships with other NASA mission directorates to 

further align Space Grant with NASA’s mission objectives

• BIG Idea Challenge - $1M+ to 7 university teams in FY21

• Artemis Student Challenges - $2.4M in grants to 6 different states

• SMD selected two different Space Grant lead institutions to oversee 

awards of $30M+ (including $3M+ of Space Grant funds) for activities 

associated with Climate and the 2024 Eclipse

21
FY2021 NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

SPACE GRANT – MISSION DIRECTORATE PARTNERSHIPS

STMD: 

Almost $1M in 

awards in 

FY2021 to seven 

state teams

HEO, STMD, SMD, 

and others:

Increased participation 

with SMEs and completed 

reviews of the extension 

proposals

SMD:

Partnering on expanding the 

reach of Science-related 

activities with total funding 

of $32M and an additional 

$3M in co-funding from

Space Grant

22
NOTABLE FY2021 ACCOMPLISHMENTS: EPSCOR

• Issued FY2021 awards at total of $22.9M direct awards to jurisdictions in 

partnership with mission directorates:

o 28 Research Infrastructure Development (RID) awards: $4.9M

o 16 Research Awards: $12M

o 4 Suborbital Flight Opportunity Awards: $1.26M

o 43 Rapid Response Research (R3): $4.3M

• Established partnership with NSF for Fellows Advancing in Science and 

Technology (FAST) pilot specifically focusing on Institutions of Higher 

Education, women’s colleges and Primarily Undergraduate Institutions that 

serve underrepresented students Evaluation Awardees

23
NOTABLE FY2021 ACCOMPLISHMENTS: MUREP

• Provided 34 new awards to MSIs in direct collaboration/alignment with the 

Mission Directorates

• Issued 6 new MUREP INCLUDES awards to Broaden Participation in 

Engineering

• Developed 2 new Memorandums of Understanding to solidify engagement 

with NSF and Dept of Education

24
FY2021 NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

MUREP ENGAGEMENT WITH NASA'S EARTH SCIENCES DIVISION

MUREP Ocean Biology

and Biogeochemistry 

(OCEAN)

Building capacity at MSIs to 

participate in NASA’s SMD / 

Earth Science research 

opportunities.

New Funding Opportunity:

Up to $250k per year

maximum 3 years

About $6.6M in 

awards went to 

10 MSIs in 

partnership 

with SMD

HBCU

10%TCU

10%

HSI, 

AANAPISI 

& ANNH ...

OCEAN Awards 

by MSI Type

OCEAN Awardees

Florida Atlantic University, 

Boca Raton

Northwest Indian College 

Foundation, Bellingham, 

Washington

Texas State University, 

San Marcos

University of Puerto Rico, 

Mayagüez

University of the Virgin 

Islands, Charlotte Amalie 

University of Alaska, 

Fairbanks

University of California, 

Irvine

University of California, 

Merced

University of Hawaii Systems, 

Hilo

University of Massachusetts, 

Boston

25
NOTABLE FY2021 ACCOMPLISHMENTS: NEXT GEN STEM

• Completed intensive project re-design to include new focus areas for design 

and delivery of products and opportunities

o Evidence-driven design and mission alignment

• Initiated new Community of Practice (CONNECTS) environment for all types 

of educators

o Began pilot phase with select educators providing real-time feedback

• Developed new structure for student challenges and competitions

o Designed to lower barriers to entry, increase participation and be more inclusive 

of underserved/underrepresented students

• Completed conceptual design of subject matter expert training and support 

program to engage NASA STEM professionals in strategic and effective 

student engagement

26
NOTABLE FY2021 ACCOMPLISHMENTS: NEXT GEN STEM

TEAM II Informal Education Institution Awards and MIE Alliance

• Implemented a two-tier award structure, adding small Community Anchor awards to encourage participation of 

smaller institutions and to create a cohort of Community Anchors to partner with NGS and NASA in advancing 

diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM

• Released two-tier solicitation in April 2021. Selections made in December 2021.

Institution Project Award $

FY21 TEAM II Awards

Space Science Institute, Boulder, CO From Our Town to the Moon, Mars and Beyond $998,198

The Science Center, Ithaca, NY Explore Science, Destination Moon $998,433

The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA Mission to Mars: Boosting Community Engagement with NASA Resources $999,807

FY22 TEAM II Awards

Orlando Science Center, Orlando, Florida National Engineering Design Challenge with Orlando Science Center $800,000

North Carolina Museum of Life and Science, 

Durham, NC

Sparking Interest in STEM Among Hispanic Learners Nationwide Through Meaningful 

Connections to NASA Explorations and Discoveries

$799,983

Franklin County Historical Society, Columbus, OH The NASA Learning Lunchbox – Feeding STEM Diversity and Serving Underserved 

Youth with NASA Artemis and the James Webb Telescope Across the Nation

$799,921

27
FY2020 STEM ENGAGEMENT PERFORMANCE AT A GLANCE

Higher Education 

Students

In Fiscal Year 2020, NASA provided 6,410

internships, fellowships, scholarships, and 

other sustained engagement opportunities 

(e.g., engineering design challenges, student 

competitions) to 5,992 higher education 

students across all institutional categories 

and levels. These significant awards provided 

a total of over $38M in direct financial 

support to higher education students. 

29.8% of participants in these opportunities 

were racially or ethnically underrepresented 

students, exceeding the national average of 

26.2% for underrepresented students 

enrolled in STEM degree programs.

Underrepresented 

Race or Ethnicity

29.8%

Additionally, 41.6% of the 

Agency’s higher education 

internships and fellowship 

positions were filled by 

women.

Significant 

Awards by Sex

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

FY18FY19FY20

Males Females

Research and 

Development

NASA’s performance in 

providing opportunities 

for learners to contribute 

to NASA’s aeronautics, 

space, and science 

missions and work is 

assessed across peerreviewed publications 

and technical paper

presentations directly resulting from 

research funded by NASA STEM 

Engagement grants and awards to higher 

education institutions. 

1,831

Space Grant, MUREP, and EPSCoR grantee 

and awardee institutions reported 1,831 

peer-reviewed publications and technical 

papers and presentations in FY 2020. 

Notably, 40% percent of the peerreviewed publications were authored or 

coauthored by students.

Additionally, 79 patents were awarded to 

higher education institutions as a direct 

result of their NASA STEM Engagement 

grants or cooperative agreements. 

Collaborators

1,672

NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement 

collaborators are funded and unfunded 

and located in all 50 states, DC, GU, PR, 

and VI. Collaborators include: government 

agencies, industry, formal and informal 

education institutions including museums, 

science centers, planetariums, and youthserving organizations, non-profit, and 

other education organizations. 

Collaborators extend the reach of NASA 

STEM engagement opportunities by 

supporting the execution of an 

opportunity. In FY 2020 OSTEM 

collaborated with 1,672 institutions and 

organizations. 

28
NASA STEM ENGAGEMENT HIGHLIGHTS REPORT 2021

2021 Targeted Release:

February 2022

Link to Highlights 2020:

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms

/files/nasa_ostem_highlights_2020_0.pdf

29
CONNECTING WITH NASA STEM IN FY2021

96,107 Facebook followers 

355,317 Twitter followers

437,955 Pinterest followers 

332,738 views on YouTube 

56,109 NASA EXPRESS

subscribers 

Follow and 

connect

@NASASTEM

or

stem.nasa.gov

Average time spent 

on website ⇧ 17.5%

from FY20 to FY21

30
AGENDA

Landscape

Overview of STEM Engagement

NAC Topics Review

Broadening Participation

K-12 Efforts

Partnerships

Measuring Success

Discussion
DISCUSSION TOPICS FROM THE LAST NAC MEETING

• COVID-19

• Equity issues – highlight this to the NAC

• What can NASA STEM Engagement do to support the STEM ecosystem? Helping those who are struggling and 

helping them be nimble, effectively partner

• Intersections between formal and informal learning environments, and how OSTEM can bridge these environments

• NASA should emphasize flexibility permitted in OMB guidance, particularly in scholarships, internships and 

fellowships

• Opportunity for NASA resources to provide support to those who need internet access?

• How will COVID-19 impact the implementation of the strategic plan?

• Thanks to NASA for their quick response with NASA STEM @ Home materials
DISCUSSION TOPICS FROM THE LAST NAC MEETING

• Strategic Plan

• Strategic goals are a positive, particularly goal three

• Clarity in alignment between the goals and design principles

• Need a strong baseline of data from which to measure progress

• Suggest to prioritize objectives

• At the objective level, how are underrepresented/underserved communities called out? Or should they be called out?
DISCUSSION TOPICS FROM THE LAST NAC MEETING

• MUREP

• Pleased with progress of this program, particularly with regard to intentionality 

• Positive partnership with NSF INCLUDES

• Consideration for other partnerships within MUREP? (Science centers, informal learning, for science communication, 

etc.)

• What is the 1% contracting goal? – Agency goal from procurement office – want to have more MSIs gain NASA 

contracts (OSTEM has aided in this endeavor, particularly through Road Tour)

• More movement for joint partnerships with other agencies and MSIs? Torry – yes, we have ongoing discussions with 

NSF via NSF INCLUDES for potential partnerships 

• Like to better understand the amount of funding allocated to the different pillars

• Torry – current portfolio includes about 30-40% funding for research. Working with mission directorates to craft 

synergies with OSTEM solicitations so outputs are valuable for MSIs and the agency

• Capacity building should be a main priority, as other capabilities can follow

• Opportunity for MSIs to form collaborations with majority institutions to support capacity building throughout the 

OSTEM programs

• Recommendation – emphasize the importance of MSI engagement; partnerships to support MSIs

• Work with community colleges is important to highlight

• MUREP will “permeate” the strategic plan – help make this happen
DISCUSSION TOPICS FROM THE LAST NAC MEETING

• Other thoughts/comments

• Opportunity for NASA to play a convening role in the reinvention of the ecosystem. How can NASA bring the 

ecosystem together? (Similar to the Apollo Anniversary efforts) Encourage that we bring together the community we 

support (across OSTEM and SMD) 

• Bring together NASA and NSF to look at learning in virtual, formal, and informal contexts, and the intersections of 

these contexts, during and post-COVID-19. How can NASA look at the impacts of COVID-19?

• Potential connection to broader federal community/FC-STEM?

• What can be done via cell phone connection vs. on a desktop/laptop? This is related to equity concerns 

regarding who we are reaching.
FINDINGS – DO NOT REQUIRE ACTION

• NASA has had a great response to the COVID-19 outbreak, particularly NASA STEM @ Home 

resources, NASA’s use of the flexibilities provided via OMB to support the STEM ecosystem

• Positive progress on the STEM Strategic Plan

• The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the importance of access and diversity, equity, and inclusion

• MSIs are important to “permeate” across the strategic plan and agency more broadly

• Important to continue to measure the impacts of NASA STEM Engagement investments, and 

articulate their impacts. This work is underway. Metrics should help NASA STEM Engagement 

look ahead.

• 10-year cooperative agreements provide the ability to see longitudinal impacts of activities, but 

the agency must monitor the activity (as is appropriate for a cooperative agreement)

• Professional societies and associations (of all types) can amplify NASA STEM Engagement 

messaging and resources to broader audiences, particularly those OSTEM cannot reach alone
RECOMMENDATIONS – REQUIRE ACTION

• Keep up emphasis on strategic plan – integration and use of this across the MDs

• Consequences – lack of coordination across the agency on STEM activities, could lead to duplication of efforts, 

unaddressed priorities

• Administrator and the Mission Directorates, along with the Office of Procurement, should ensure 

that there are higher goals to build research capabilities at MSIs. NASA should support and 

create infrastructure to sustain MSIs, to enable them to be competitive and be successful in 

contributing to NASA work. This helps build a strong K-12 pipeline of interest and engagement.

• Consequences – lack of coordination, impedes NASA’s capability to build a diverse workforce for the future

• NASA should continue collaborating with NSF and other FC-STEM agencies to convene and 

support the STEM community in navigating reinvention/recovery from COVID-19. NASA alone 

cannot solve this.

• Consequences – lack of coordination around recovery efforts; duplication of efforts; gaps in support for the 

community; could impact metrics/evaluation efforts
AGENDA

Landscape

Overview of STEM Engagement

NAC Topics Review

Broadening Participation

K-12 Efforts

Partnerships

Measuring Success

Discussion
NASA’S COMMITMENT TO DEIA

“NASA is fully committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, 

and Accessibility (DEIA) for our entire workforce and all 

our workplaces. This means our Agency will continually 

prioritize the following: reinforcing a culture in which our 

employees feel they can be authentic, welcomed, 

respected, included, and engaged; maintaining an 

environment where our employees consistently and 

systematically receive fair, just, and impartial treatment; 

and ensuring our employees can fully and 

independently access facilities, information and 

communication technology, programs, and services.”

Sen. Bill Nelson

NASA Administrator

September 29, 2021

39
FOCUS AREA: BROADENING STUDENT PARTICIPATION

Purpose: Provides an integrated set of efforts for broadening student participation to increase 

diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM through NASA opportunities and activities.

Overarching Goals:

1. Enhance communications and stakeholder engagement and 

build networks and relationships.

2. Strengthen practices and systems.

3. Focus on metrics and evaluation to effectively measure 

progress.

4. Drive a collective focus across NASA’s STEM Engagement 

community.

40
EFFORTS TO BROADEN STUDENT PARTICIPATION

41

Where Are We Headed?

• Reexamining existing efforts

• Reevaluating target goals and developing a formalized 

feedback process

• Integrating DEIA in award solicitations

• FY 21 performance assessment and evaluation studies

• Expanding partnerships with other federal agencies

(NSF, DoD, ED, NOAA)

• Strategically leveraging partners, networks and 

influencers to expand reach to underrepresented/ 

underserved students
MUREP VISION

To enhance the 

research, academic

and technological 

capabilities at MSIs by 

providing authentic 

student learning 

experiences related to 

NASA missions that 

contribute to a

diverse future STEM 

Workforce.

42
MINORITY UNIVERSITY RESEARCH AND EDUCATION PROJECT (MUREP)

PURPOSE AND STATUTORY AUTHORITY

AGENCY RESPONSE TO FEDERAL EXECUTIVE ORDERS

FOR MINORITY SERVING INSTITUTIONS (MSIs)

MUREP is established to increase NASA’s responsiveness to federal mandates related to MSIs and 

underrepresented and underserved communities, including women, girls, persons with disabilities and veterans.

 EO 13779: White House Initiative to Promote Excellence and Innovation at 

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)

 EO 13621: White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African 

Americans (PBI)

 EO 13592: Improving American Indian and Alaska Native Educational Opportunities and Strengthening 

Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU/NASNTI)

 EO 13935: White House Hispanic Prosperity Initiative (HSI)

 EO 13515: Increasing Participation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Federal Programs

(AANAPISI / ANNH)

43
MUREP STUDENT ENGAGEMENT CONTINUUM

44
NASA INTERNSHIPS DE&I FOCUS

FY 21-23

Action Plan

1 Identify barriers and inequalities in the recruitment 

and selection process

2 Increase outreach with minority-serving 

institutions

3 Build awareness through partnerships with internal

and external stakeholders

4 Strengthen practices and systems Agency-wide

5 Establish a full-time MUREP internship coordinator

6 Increase HBCU placements 

45
OSTEM INTERNSHIPS PROGRAM

Key Elements*

• U.S. Citizen

• Cumulative 3.00 GPA 

(on a 4.0 scale)

• Full –time student

• 16+ years of age

• Stipend payment

• Sessions: Summer,

Fall and Spring

Virtual internships 

available

* Learn more at intern.nasa.gov

NASA INTERNSHIPS SUMMARY - FY2021

(FALL 2020, SPRING 2021, SUMMER 2021)

46
NASA INTERNSHIPS DIVERSITY RESULTS

SUMMER 2020 COMPARED TO SUMMER 2021

Applicant Pool - Diversity

Summer Summer % of 

Race/Ethnicity 2020 2021 Increase

American Indian or Alaskan 

Native 836 1663 99%

Asian 3231 6509 101%

Black or African American 1375 2172 58%

Native Hawaiian or other 

Pacific Islander 145 224 54%

Hispanic or Latino 2429 4417 82%

White 10049 16241 62%

Did Not Report 1406 2456 75%

Summer 2020 - Gender

5574

9665

500

Female

Male

Did Not Report

Summer 2021 - Gender

10036

16327

868

% Change: Female = 80% / Male = 69%

Total Applicants

# of 

Session Applicants

Summer 2020 15,739

Summer 2021 27,231

73% Increase

Total Selected Interns

Session # of Interns

Summer 2020 1,163

Summer 2021 1,331

14% Increase

Diversity is self-reported. 

Students may select 

multiple races.

Selected Intern - Diversity

Summer Summer % of 

Race/Ethnicity 2020 2021 Increase

American Indian or 

Alaskan Native 71 79 11%

Asian 187 264 41%

Black or African American 121 162 34%

Native Hawaiian or other 

Pacific Islander 8 6 (25%)

Hispanic or Latino 171 218 27%

White 782 811 4%

Did Not Report 103 115 12%

Summer 2020

445

683

35

Female

Male

Did Not Report

Summer 2021

599

695

37

% Change: Female = 35% / Male = 2%

47
AGENDA

Landscape

Overview of STEM Engagement

NAC Topics Review

Broadening Participation

K-12 Efforts

Partnerships

Measuring Success

Discussion
FOCUS AREA: CRITICAL NEED FOR INVESTMENTS IN K-12

Student STEM Pathways

STEM Engagement 

Continuum

Grades K-4

Grades 5-8

Grades 9-12

Undergraduate Graduate

ATTRACT

INSPIRE – ENGAGE – EDUCATE – EMPLOY

Attracting students 

is the foundation of a successful model to build 

a diverse future STEM workforce

Key Elements Moving Forward:

• Evidence-based opportunities 

that attract students (Gr K-5)

• Accessible and engaging 

opportunities that enable STEM 

pathways (Gr K-8)

• Immersive, experiential learning 

that leads to STEM pursuits (Gr 

9-12)

• Experiences to support 

successful workforce entry 

(Higher Ed)

• Strategies to broaden student 

participation at all points along 

the continuum

• Partnerships and networks to 

build essential connections to 

the STEM ecosystem

49
KEY INGREDIENTS IN ATTRACTING AND ENGAGING K-12 STUDENTS

K - 12

NASA-unique 

learning 

opportunities to 

attract students

Incremental 

learning activities to 

enable STEM 

student pathways

Immersive, 

experiential 

learning 

opportunities to 

prepare for STEM 

pursuits

Students

• Accessible, low barrier 

to entry classroom 

and out-of-school 

activities

• Informal education 

programs

• Classroom activities

• Out-of-school activities

• Competitions

• Camps and informal 

education programs

• Student engagement

• Capstone projects

• Challenges and 

competitions

• H.S. internships

• Student engagement

Educators • Enhanced access, navigability, and use of NASA STEM Engagement products and activities 

by formal and informal educators

• Increased educator efficacy in delivering NASA Engagement products and activities

An architecture that offers a continuum of

NASA STEM student experiences

Build on the current portfolio 

to create a system of NASAunique K-12 learning 

opportunities:

 Use evidence-based 

practices

 Partner with mission 

directorates to leverage 

mission milestones

 Leverage NASA STEM 

practitioners as role models 

and guides in engaging 

students

50
DRIVERS TO DESIGN A K-12 FOUNDATION

Strategy for STEM Engagement 2020-23

51

STEM Engagement K-12 Portfolio

Leveraging NASA’s missions, content, people, and facilities to 

attract and engage students in STEM

Where?

In school, after school, informal education institutions and at home

What? 

An integrated portfolio of products, experiences, challenges and 

competitive awards that spans the continuum K-12 educational 

levels and reduces barriers to entry

Applying STEM Engagement Design Principles

1. Mission-driven:

• Authentic content to create 

the spark and maintain 

interest

2. Evidence-based:

• Alignment to national K-12 

education standards

• Use current research in 

designing program elements

3. Diversity & Inclusion:

• Broadening student and 

educator participation

• Employ Culturally Relevant 

Engagement and teaching 

principles

4. Scalability:

• Use established 

networks and effective 

partnerships to achieve 

greater numbers and 

diversity

5. Outcome-driven:

• Keep beneficiary viewpoints 

and needs in mind

• Informal, continual lessonslearned process

• Plan and execute formal 

51 evaluation of offerings
K-12 FRAMEWORK

Building Blocks for a 

K-12 Framework to Engage

Educators and Students

Educator Community of Practice 

(NASA CONNECTS)

• Creates and sustains real relationships with 

and among formal and informal educators

• Curates and promotes offerings and 

opportunities

Educator Training and Support

• Focused on effective use of NASA 

educational products and building educator 

STEM identity and efficacy.

NASA STEM Subject Matter Expert 

(SME) Training, Support and 

Development

• Enabling impactful virtual and in-person 

engagements as purposeful components of 

STEM Engagement programming

Strategic Partnerships

• Extend NASA’s reach and impact with focus 

on students from underserved and 

underrepresented communities

Opportunities and Products

to Attract and Engage

Students and Educators

Educational Products

• Content suitable for formal + informal settings

• Purposeful curation and “toolkits”

• Easy-to-use, less “intimidating” products

• Cultural relevance, eliminating barriers to use

Challenges and Competitions

• SPARX innovative challenge and competition 

model (FY22 pilot)

• Built for depth-of-knowledge levels and 

multiple mission themes 

Competitive Funding Opportunities

• For effective development, extension and 

dissemination of NASA-fueled content 

supporting STEM ecosystems

• TEAM II and Community Anchor small awards

Connections to NASA STEM experts

• Learning opportunities through exposure and 

interactions with NASA SMEs

Mission-Driven Spheres 

Aligning products and opportunities

with NASA mission priorities

Core infrastructure and services to enable 

delivery

Evidence-driven design and development 

of opportunities and products

Alignment with NASA missions to attract 

students to exciting content 52
K-12 AREAS OF FOCUS – FY2022 AND BEYOND

• Build foundational elements to more effectively deliver learning 

opportunities and products along a continuum of experiences to attract 

students and sustain them on STEM pathways.

• Enhance accessibility, navigability and use of the integrated NASA K12 portfolio of activities and products toward broadening 

student participation

• Build ecosystem networks to drive the design and deployment of NASA 

learning opportunities through the lens of educator and institutional needs

• Use performance and evaluation methodologies with targeted studies to 

drive evolution of K-12 opportunities and products, shaping future efforts

53
AGENDA

Landscape

Overview of STEM Engagement

NAC Topics Review

Broadening Participation

K-12 Efforts

Partnerships

Measuring Success

Discussion
BUILDING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

Expand NASA’s STEM 

Engagement Reach

Catalyze Internal and 

External Innovation

Collaborate to Address High 

Priority National Goals

RECENT EXAMPLES

LEGO EDUCATION

Goal: Prepare students for the 

upcoming mission, extend Student 

Curiosity about the Mission, and 

connect the mission to careers at 

NASA

Through open-ended lessons, 

students will get hands-on 

experience and solve the 

same problems the Artemis I 

Team faces as they build 

toward launch!

STEM NEXT OPPORTUNITY FUND 

Goal: Million Girls Moonshot 

aims to cultivate 1 million girls 

with an engineering mindset by 

2025

Collaboration to support the 

Million Girls Moonshot in 

Afterschool programs through:

• curriculum support

• STEM mentors

• educator support 

ISS downlink and watch party 

reached over 24K students and 

educators

MICROSOFT LEARN

Goal: Teach high priority CS, AI 

and data science skills to high 

school and college students

NASA is supporting Microsoft in 

use of Artemis data sets and 

themes as a real-world context 

for online coursework. As of 

Mar 2021:

• 65K users have earned badges

• Courses have a 4.8 (out of 5) 

approval rating and 50% 

completion rate

DISCOVERY EDUCATION

Goal: Expand student and 

educator access to high quality 

digital resources

Collaboration on a weeklong campaign during 

the Mars Perseverance landing:

• Simulcast (241K views)

• Curated 

NASA resources (800K+ inter

actions)

• Awareness of Mars 

opportunities (1M teachers

in distribution)

GIRL SCOUTS USA

Goal: Collaborate on 1st

ever Virtual STEM Summit

NASA supported the Girls 

Scouts in their first virtual 

STEM summit:

• Utilized 17 NASA 

speakers 

• Reached 14K girls during 

the 5-hour event
FY2021 NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

Engagement with 94 Organizations (April 2020-May 2021)

12 New Agreements 

(Active or In-progress)

17 informal collaborations to share content 

or engage students

56
ARTEMIS SUMMIT MEETING

The Offices of STEM Engagement, Communication and Human Exploration Operations Mission Directorate are 

hosting a one-day meeting for partners, grantees, and other interested organizations to learn about Public and 

STEM Engagement plans and opportunities for the upcoming Artemis I Mission. This event is 

designed to introduce participants to the importance of the Artemis program and support them in the use 

of Artemis I content as they serve students, educators, families, and the general public.

Date and Location:

Kennedy Space Center and virtual participation

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Eastern

Audience:

• Museums & Science Centers

• Youth Serving Organizations

• Universities and Other Institutions of Higher Education

• Education Networks

• Non-Profit Institutions

• Commercial Content Creators

• Other Interested Organization

57
AGENDA

Landscape

Overview of STEM Engagement

NAC Topics Review

Broadening Participation

K-12 Efforts

Partnerships

Measuring Success

Discussion
NASA STEM ENGAGEMENT PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT & EVALUATION

P&E’s comprehensive performance assessment and evaluation strategy 

includes three key pieces: performance activities, evaluation activities, 

and a learning agenda. 

• Through our performance activities, we monitor program 

accomplishments, particularly progress toward our established 

performance goals. 

• Through our evaluation activities, we examine how a particular 

program meets its objectives, typically executed through year-long 

studies.

• The learning agenda allows us to look systematically across 

performance and evaluation activities to identify gaps in knowledge 

and establish a research agenda that generates knowledge to fill 

these gaps. 

Performance 

Assessment 

Strategy

Evaluation 

Strategy

Learning 

Agenda

59
COMPREHENSIVE PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION STRATEGY

Performance

Strategy

Framework

• Broad strategic goals designed to advance NASA’s mission and address 

relevant national problems, needs, challenges and opportunities.

• Timeframe: 2018 – 2022

Performance

Assessment

• Ongoing monitoring and reporting of program accomplishments, particularly progress 

toward pre-established goals.

• Includes outputs such as: higher education interns and fellows demographics and 

number of paper presentations and peer-reviewed publications; and outcomes such as 

developing higher education students’ science or engineering identity.

• Timeframe: Short term (Annual)

Evaluation

• Systematic study using research methods to collect and analyze data to assess how well a program 

is working and why.

• Includes outcomes such as: developing higher education students’ science or engineering identity, 

cognitive understanding of research processes and skills, or longitudinal study of interns.

• Timeframe: Long term

Learning Agenda

60
STRATEGIC PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK

2018 NASA Strategic Plan

61

Strategic Goal 3: Address National Challenges and Catalyze 

Economic Growth

Strategic Objective 3.3: Inspire and Engage the Public in Aeronautics, Space, 

and Science

Office of STEM Engagement

Performance Goals

Success Criteria

External Internal
LEARNING AGENDA DEVELOPMENT & IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE

Goal: Generate and refine a process to look systematically across performance and evaluation activities to identify gaps in 

knowledge and establish a research agenda that generates knowledge to fill these gaps. 

FY18

Development of 

Learning 

Questions/Activities

• Review past 

performance

• Research 

performance 

assessment models 

and gather input 

from stakeholders

• Develop Learning 

Questions and 

Learning Activities

FY19

Refine Practice and 

Operations

• Operationalize Learning 

Agenda

• Execute Learning 

Agenda Activities 

(FY19)

• Refine practice and 

operations

• Convene Expert Review 

Panel

FY20 - FY21

Implement Refined 

Strategy

• Implement refined 

Learning Agenda

• Execute Learning 

Agenda Activities (FY20 

– 21)

• Convene Expert Review 

Panel

FY22

Support Evidence-Based 

Decision-Making Process 

• Analyze Learning Agenda 

Activities (FY19 – 21)

• Summarize 

recommendations for 

stakeholders

• Internal stakeholder 

meetings

• Programmatic decisionmaking

• Revise Learning Questions

• Finalize performance metrics

62
EVIDENCE-BASED DECISION-MAKING PROCESS

63

Goal: Generate and refine a process to look systematically across performance and evaluation activities to identify gaps in 

knowledge and establish a research agenda that generates knowledge to fill these gaps. 
CONTRIBUTIONS TO NASA’S MISSIONS AND WORK (FY19-FY21)

64

FY 2021 Evidence Activities

Learning Question 1: To what extent are 

NASA’s STEM Engagement investments 

contributing to NASA’s missions and work?

FY 2019 Evidence Activities

• Higher Education Challenges, 

Competitions, and Internships 

Multiple Case Study

• Higher Education Mentor, Intern, 

Fellow, and HE Design Challenge 

Participant Customer Satisfaction 

Survey

• Analyze Higher Education Grantee 

and Cooperative Agreement R&D 

Data

FY 2020 Evidence Activities

• Diversity Deep Dive

• Analyze Higher Education 

Grantee and Cooperative 

Agreement R&D Data

• Intern Outcome Assessment

• Career Readiness Assessment

• Analyze Higher Education 

Grantee and Cooperative 

Agreement R&D Data

• EPSCoR Literature Review & 

Benchmarking Study

FY 2021 Evidence Activities
65

FY 2021 Evidence Activities

DIVERSITY OF THE FUTURE STEM WORKFORCE (FY19-FY21)

Learning Question 2: How have NASA STEM Engagement investments 

broadened participation of historically underrepresented and 

underserved groups in STEM fields in NASA STEM Engagement activities?

FY 2019 Evidence Activities

• STEM Engagement Activity 

Participant Longitudinal 

Tracking Feasibility Assessment

• Analyze Higher Education 

Participant Demographic Data

FY 2020 Evidence Activities

• Pilot Internship Longitudinal 

Study.

• Diversity Deep Dive

• MUREP Portfolio Assessment 

(Phase 1)

• Analyze Higher Education 

Participant Demographic Data

• Intern Outcome Assessment

• Career Readiness Assessment

• MUREP Portfolio Assessment 

(Phase 2)

• Analyze Higher Education 

Participant Demographic Data

FY 2021 Evidence Activities
ENHANCEMENTS TO PERFORMANCE & EVALUATION (FY19-FY20)

66

FY 2021 Evidence Activities

Learning Question 3: To what extent have enhancements 

to STEM engagement performance assessment and 

evaluation been implemented?

FY 2019 Evidence Activities

• Assessment of the Office of 

Education Performance 

Management (OEPM) System 

Capabilities/Design Enhanced Data 

Management System.

• Design a comprehensive data 

management

• Develop and Execute Office of STEM 

Engagement Learning Agenda

FY 2020 Evidence Activities

• Award two competitive 

agreements to pilot methods for 

a multi-year, third-party, pilot 

project-level evaluation of the 

National Space Grant College and 

Fellowship Project

• Revise and Execute Office of 

STEM Engagement Learning 

Agenda

FY 2021 Evidence Activities

This Learning Question was removed 

from the Learning Agenda after FY20
UNDERSTANDING K-12 STEM ENGAGEMENT INVESTMENTS (FY21)

67

FY 2021 Evidence Activities

Learning Question 4: What are effective strategies to 

support and measure STEM Engagement Investments’ 

ability to spark K-12 students’ STEM interests?

FY 2019 Evidence Activities

• Sparking STEM Interest Forum*

FY 2020 Evidence Activities

• Sparking STEM Interest 

Study*

FY 2021 Evidence Activities

• K-12 Internal Strategic 

Assessment

• NextGen STEM Pilot Outcome 

Study

*Studies were executed prior to inclusion of Learning Question 4
FUTURE STATE

68

Performance & Evaluation Objectives:

• Provide coordinated framework for evaluation across 

OSTEM STEM Engagement efforts

• Culture of evidence-based planning and decisionmaking addressing program goals, milestones, and 

performance/evaluation metrics

• Increase access and use of program-level data through 

NASA STEM Gateway to support decision making

Framework for Efforts:

• Portfolio Evaluation – evaluation across multiple 

programs to determine collective impact on strategic 

goals

• Program Evaluation- evaluation of single program to 

program goals

• Principle Evaluation – evaluating principles and 

methods for implementing quality STEM programs that 

would be applicable across programs

Step One

Review Past Performance

Step Two

Stakeholder Discussion

Step Three

Finalize Metrics

• Analyze results from FY21 evidence-building 

activities

• NASA Strategic Plan (2022 – 2026)

• Agency Learning Agenda (Target: March 

2022)

• Update Learning Questions

• Review findings from FY21 evidencebuilding activities

• Project Manager FY22 priorities and 

milestones

• Propose Learning Questions

• Finalize Learning Questions & evidencebuilding activities

• Recommended external and internal 

performance measures
FUTURE STATE

69
AGENDA

Landscape

Overview of STEM Engagement

NAC Topics Review

Broadening Participation

K-12 Efforts

Partnerships

Measuring Success

Discussion
stem.nasa.gov

71

Discussion