Official Nasa Communication 06-16

May 12, 2006 Dryden Flight Research Center P.O. Box 273 Edwards, California 93523 Phone 661/276-3449 FAX 661/276-3566 Beth Hagenauer NASA Dryden Flight Research Center Phone: 661/276-7960 [email protected] Staci Johnson/Sonja Alexander Headquarters, Washington Phone: (202) 358-7232/1761 RELEASE: 06-16 NEW EXPLORER SCHOOLS Two northeastern Arizona schools are among 26 new NASA Explorer Schools announced today in a partnership to inspire students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Cottonwood Day School on Navajo Route 4 in Chinle and Sanders Middle School at Apache 3060 in Sanders will participate in a NASA program that provides unique opportunities designed to engage and educate the future scientists who may someday help advance U.S. scientific interests through space exploration. Cottonwood Day School and Sanders Middle School are in the educational territory supported by NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, Calif. NASA Explorer Schools attempt to attract and retain students in science and technical fields through a progression of educational opportunities for students, teachers and administrators. NASA's 150 Explorer School teams, which primarily come from minority and under-represented communities, are located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Selected schools are eligible to receive up to $17,500 during the three-year partnership to help purchase technology tools. The program also provides educators and students with content-specific activities that can be used in many local and state curricula to excite students about science and math.

The NASA Explorer Schools program was chosen as one of the "Top Innovations in American Government Awards for 2006" by the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass. For a list of the NASA Explorer Schools and additional information, visit: http://www.explorerschools.nasa.gov/portal/site/nes For information about NASA and agency programs, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/home -end-