About Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars

The Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) program is an interactive on-line science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning experience highlighted by a six-day residential summer academy at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) in Hampton, Virginia. Students selected to participate in the program are immersed in NASA-related research through interaction with scientists, engineers and technologists.

The Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) is modeled after the highly successful NASA award winning, Texas Aerospace Scholars (TAS) program developed by NASA Johnson Space Center. NASA Johnson Space Center is providing the online learning modules.

Who can apply?
What will students do?
How do I become a Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholar?
What is the timeline?
How do I obtain more information?

Who can apply?

Students from across the state of Virginia are selected to participate through a competitive application process. In order to participate students must:

Be a U.S. Citizen and Virginia resident
Be currently in their junior year of high school and at least 16 years of age
Have interest in or an aptitude for math, science, engineering, or technology
Have a minimum GPA of 2.7
Commit to a one-year relationship with VASTS, including a designated six-day residential Summer Academy experience
Have access to email and the Internet (home, school, or public library)

What will students do?

During the school year, scholars will complete 10 web-based modules. The modules begin in early April and are due weekly. These lessons include a variety of activities such as online reading assignments, providing answers to real-world questions, designing upgrades to be used on the Shuttle and International Space Station (ISS), and taking online quizzes to demonstrate progress. Upon successful completion of the on-line course, scholars attend a six-day Summer Academy at NASA Langley (Hampton, VA), which will include:

A team project in aerospace exploration
Tours of NASA Langley facilities
Mentoring by NASA engineers, scientists, and technologists
Participation in hands-on scientific and engineering activities
Briefings by astronauts, engineers, scientists and other NASA experts

School districts may chose to grant a science elective credit towards graduation for students who successfully complete the online program and Summer Academy. This is entirely at the discretion of the individual school district. Scholars are provided transportation, housing, and meals during their week-long stay at LaRC.

How do I become a Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholar?

Complete the requirements located on the Application Instructions page.

You will submit your application online and are required to print, sign and/or obtain signature for each supplementary document as specified. Please include one printed copy of your online application and mail the entire package to Virginia Space Grant Consortium. The application deadline is March 14, 2008 and must be received by that date. Send the complete application package to:

  Virginia Space Grant Consortium
  ATTN: VASTS Coordinator
  ODU Peninsula Center
  600 Butler Farm Road
  Hampton, VA 23666

If accepted into the program, you will be notified via email and sent log-in information to begin working on the online curriculum. Each of the 10 modules and final project will be graded using the rubrics at the end of each lesson. Students are selected for the summer program based on completion of lessons, quality of work, and timeliness.

What is the timeline?

February 1, 2008: Virginia schools receive information describing the program, its guidelines, and outlining their roles in the selection process.
February - March 2008: Application and selection process for students. Applications due March 14, 2008.
April - June 2008: Students engage in distance learning assignments and on-line discussions to learn more about space exploration, LaRC mentors, and the other participants.
July 27 – August 1 2008: On-site Summer Academy at LaRC
August-October 2008: Students maintain contact with LaRC through on-line mentoring.

How do I obtain more information?