The Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) program is a FREE, interactive online STEM learning experience featuring a six-day residential summer academy at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA.
Online Course Applications: Open August 14-Due Saturday, October 24
Students selected to participate in Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) are immersed in NASA-related research through interaction with scientists, engineers, and technologists. The program is a partnership between the Virginia Space Grant Consortium, NASA Langley Research Center, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and industry partners.
Online Experience
During the school year, scholars will complete six web-based modules. The modules begin in late November and are due every two weeks (more time may be given for the first two modules, depending on how holiday dates fall on the calendar each year). Based on each module’s content, scholars will provide solutions to real-world questions, develop and present failure analysis reports pertaining to prior space exploration attempts, design a new crew exploration vehicle, and participate in discussion forums on current space-related topics with other scholars to hone their technical writing skills.
Summer Academy
Upon successful completion of the online course, scholars who perform well in the course may be selected to attend a six-day summer academy at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA, which will include:
● A team project in which students design a crewed mission to Mars
● Tours of NASA Langley facilities
● Mentoring by NASA engineers, scientists, and technologists
● Participation in collaborative mission design processes within a dedicated Mars mission team
● Briefings and seminars by astronauts, engineers, scientists, and other NASA experts
Scholars selected for the six-day academy at NASA’s Langley Research Center are provided transportation, housing at CNU, and meals/snacks during their stay.
Who can apply?
High School Juniors and Seniors!
Students from across Virginia are selected through a competitive application process. In order to participate, students must:
● Be a Virginia Resident and U.S. Citizen (or Permanent Resident/Green Card Holder*)
● Be currently in their junior or senior 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
● Have access to email and the Internet (home, school, or public library)
* NASA security restrictions typically only allow U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) to attend the Summer Academy program.
To apply, students complete an online application and provide a teacher recommendation and a school counselor letter confirming the student attends a Virginia high school, is in the 11th or 12th grade, and has at least a 2.7 GPA.
Once submitted, applicants receive an email confirmation, and the specified individuals receive email instructions to submit the letter of recommendation and a school counselor letter on the applicant’s behalf. Applicants should inform those individuals that they will receive an email from notices@spacegrant.net. Submit all letters through the online application system. Letters submitted in any other manner will not be accepted. The applicant’s responsible for following up to ensure the recommendation is submitted electronically by the deadline. The applicant will receive an email notification when this letter is submitted.
Calling all High School STEM Teachers!
Apply Here!
We are looking for teachers with the following experience:
• Holds a current teaching license in a STEM subject for Virginia secondary schools
• Formal education experience teaching earth science, aviation, and/or integrative STEM education, preferred
• Ability to attend mandatory Mentor Teacher training
• Canvas coursework/programming experience
Facilitation of Online Coursework
Each Mentor Teacher will facilitate the VASTS online coursework for approximately 35 scholars in preparation for the potential participation in the summer academies at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA. The VASTS program provides online coursework that helps scholars build knowledge of NASA, human space exploration, and key STEM skills. The top 180 performing scholars from across Virginia who complete the coursework will attend a six-day residential program at Langley, where they will undertake a team-based crewed space exploration mission design project. Mentor Teachers for the online course must attend at least one week during the summer academies.
Mentor Teacher Stipend
$2500 for online course content grading and forum participation
$2000 for summer academy
Responsibilities
• Grade modules submitted by the scholars and the final project within one week of submission using prescribed performance rubrics. Online course module assignments are due every two weeks.
• Provide personalized and timely feedback (within one week of submission) on assignments using the Canvas online coursework management website. Input grades into the system. Include comments regarding exemplary work and areas that need improvement. Provide examples of how work could be improved.
• Monitor scholars’ performance, quality of assignments, online posts, and replies within the discussion forums. Contact students individually as needed. Email VSGC copies of correspondence if concerns arise.
• Ensure online discussions are appropriate and topic relevant. Address students individually through email if a breach of online etiquette occurs. Email VSGC copies of such correspondence.
• Maintain performance data and tracking of student performance using the online system. Alert VSGC of students who are falling behind on assignments and note the follow-up taken.
• Correspond with VASTS scholars and NASA mentors through online discussion forums, synchronous chat sessions (AT LEAST one time per module), and email through the Canvas site.
• Complete Post-Course evaluation surveys
VASTS Coursework Training
A mandatory virtual training session will be held. You will be sent further instructions prior to training.
Application Link: https://spacegrant.net/apps/?pk=vsgcmt
Application Deadline: October 18
Teachers must submit an online application by the October 18th deadline. After you submit the online application, you will receive an email confirming your submission.
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation must be provided by a current or former supervisor, department chair, school administrator, or someone who can attest to the applicant’s professional qualifications. Once the applicant has submitted their application, the system will email the specified individuals instructions on how to submit their online letters of recommendation. Inform them that they will be receiving an email from notices@spacegrant.net with these instructions.
All letters of recommendation must be submitted via the online application system. Letters of recommendation submitted in any other manner will not be accepted.
Important Note: It is the responsibility of the applicant to follow up with the people who are providing letters of recommendation to ensure the recommendations are submitted electronically by the deadline. The applicant will receive an email notification when each of these letters is submitted
Inside VASTS
✈️ VASTS – Daily Life at the Academy
A week at the Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) Academy blends rigorous STEM learning with the excitement of mission planning.
🔹 What a Typical Day Looks Like
Morning – Breakfast followed by aerospace workshops, coding simulations, or guest speaker sessions with NASA engineers.
Afternoon – Team-based mission design projects, research work, and field trips to NASA Langley Research Center.
Evening – Dinner with peers, community activities, or collaborative work sessions on capstone projects.
Night – Students return to dorms under staff supervision, reflecting on the day’s progress.
✈️ VASTS – Activities & Experiences
Throughout the week, students immerse themselves in the world of aerospace:
STEM Workshops: Hands-on labs, simulations, and mission design challenges centered on human spaceflight and Mars exploration.
Field Trips: Explore NASA Langley Research Center and interact with professionals shaping the future of aerospace.
Guest Speakers & Mentorship: Learn from NASA scientists, engineers, and university faculty.
Team-Building Activities: Evening events that foster collaboration, leadership, and friendships.
Student Voices
Hear directly from the students who’ve been there. From the panel presentation and the week’s recap video.
