February 17, 2021, Mountain View, CA – The SETI Institute announces their NASA Community College Network (NCCN). This innovative program will bring NASA subject matter experts, research findings, and educational resources into the nation’s community college system science rooms which, with nearly 1,200 2-year, degree-awarding institutions represent 12 million students.
“NASA’s Science Action program will bring NASA’s unparalleled STEM resources to schools, libraries, and communities across the United States,” said Dr. Simon Steel, NCCN Principal Investigator. “NCCN will expand this reach into American community colleges where many students from underprivileged organizations begin their higher education.”
The NCCN will have three key elements to support and nurture the relationship between NASA subject matter experts and community college instructors who teach astronomy, space science, and related STEM courses.
1. NCCN extends direct partnerships between scientists and tutors and promotes ongoing relationships that combine scientists ‘interests and knowledge with teaching skills and teachers’ insights to gain a deeper understanding for students on NASA space science and process science itself.
2. NCCN will provide a database of high-quality resources, maintained by NASA scientists or dealing with NASA science that are effective for community college instructors and students.
3. NCCN will provide professional development and training for both NASA community college instructors and subject matter experts. The program supports or expands teachers ’knowledge of NASA science or research topics and nurtures or develops subject matter experts’ skills in engaging with community college or public audiences.
Two advisory bodies will provide ideas and insights to ensure that materials and training serve both parties meaningfully. Leading NASA researchers with experience in teaching and outreach identify and recruit scientists with an interest in working at NASA or using NASA data. In addition, a support panel of experienced community college faculty will help ensure that NCCN meets the needs of community college faculty.
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NCCN is one of nine new proposals selected to join NASA’s Science Mission Steering Group (SciAct) and will be the third Sci Act agreement granted to the SETI Institute, after successful NASA Astronomical Ambassadors and Reaching for The Stars. To learn more about other SciAct programs, click here.
The NCCN’s core team includes Simon Steel, Pamela Harman, Dana Backman and Coral Clark from the SETI Institute, and SETI Institute Trustee Andrew Fraknoi, Chair Emeritus, Department of Astronomy, Foothill College.
About the SETI Institute
Founded in 1984, the SETI Institute is a non-profit, multidisciplinary research and education organization that aims to study, understand and interpret the origin and nature of life in the universe and the evolution of information. Our research covers the physical and biological sciences and experiences advanced data analysis, machine learning and signal detection technologies. The SETI Institute is a renowned research partner for industry, academics and government agencies, including NASA and NSF.
Contact information
Rebecca McDonald
Director of Communications SETI Institute
189 Bernardo Ave., Suite 200
Mountain View, CA 94043
[email protected]
[email protected]
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