_______________________________________________________________________________
Announcing the Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) Program
Based on the tremendous success of the pilot program, Virginia Space Grant Consortium and NASA Langley Research Center, with the assistance of the Virginia Department of Education and industry support, will partner to provide another exciting opportunity for students in Virginia in 2009. Click HERE to view flyer.
Open to Virginia high school juniors with an interest in science, technology, engineering or mathematics, students will complete exploration themed online coursework and attend a 7-day residential Summer Academy at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia in July. Eighty students will be selected for the 2009 session. As part of the Summer Academy, Scholars will plan a human mission to Mars in the company of science, engineering and technology mentors from NASA. Lodging, meals and transportation costs are covered while at the Academy.
See www.vasts.spacegrant.org for eligibility requirements and more information. Application deadline is November 14, 2008.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
_______________________________________________________________________________
Tech Teams
This initiative was created to bring in technology experts to visit and view procedures in existing companies in an effort to provide suggestions on better ways to do things to improve efficiencies and drive up the bottom line. There is no charge for this visit. If interested, please work through your local economic development authorities or
contact HRTC.
_______________________________________________________________________________
K - 12 Science & Engineering
The following initiatives were created to encourage kids K-12 to become more involved in science and engineering. The Modeling & Simulation (M&S) Challenge is a homegrown effort of HRTC to expose and promote this exciting, growing field to a younger audience. The other initiatives below are national efforts with proven track records.
Each initiative needs mentors and sponsors from both individuals and companies to maintain and increase its success and secure its place in the future. Please partner with local schools in the area to ensure a strong future for math science and engineering.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Each local and international team will establish a presence in Second Life and use this presence to help stimulate economic development in their local city. For example, the team may build a replica of a significant local tourist attraction so that potential visitors can properly plan for their visit. Building a store and selling local souvenirs such as regional crystal could also lead to economic development.
Local and international participants must have sponsorship from their sister city organisation in order to be able to compete. Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
Prizes
Techno Cities will provide prizes for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams. Local Sister City sponsors will reward their teams in a manner which is most culturally acceptable. Each winning teams will each receive two free registrations to MODSIM World 2009 along with other prizes.
Team Composition
Teams could include computer science or modelling and simulation students, business or economics students, engineering or social science students, an advisor such as a professor in any of the above disciplines, and a local sister city representative. Teams will be limited to ten members.
