NASA Selects Next Class of Student Ambassadors

March 14, 2012

Ann Marie Trotta
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1601
ann.marie.trotta@nasa.gov

RELEASE: 12-084

NASA SELECTS NEXT CLASS OF STUDENT AMBASSADORS

WASHINGTON -- NASA recently inducted 100 high-performing interns into
the 2012 NASA Student Ambassadors Virtual Community. Their selection
is part of the agency's effort to engage undergraduate and graduate
students in science, engineering, mathematics and technology, or
STEM, research and interactive opportunities. This fourth group of
student ambassadors, known as Cohort IV, includes interns from 34
states and 73 universities.

"Congratulations Cohort IV on your selection to the NASA Student
Ambassadors," said Leland Melvin, associate administrator for
education at NASA Headquarters. "We are proud of your commitment to
excellence and your spirit of 'paying it forward.' Being selected for
this prestigious group is an honor, and your creativity and
innovation will help NASA inspire the STEM workforce of the future
and the next generation of explorers."

Members of this virtual community will interact with NASA personnel,
share information, make vital professional connections, collaborate
with peers, represent NASA in a variety of venues, and help inspire
and engage future interns. Through the community's website,
participants access tools needed to serve as a student ambassador,
blog, announcements, member profiles, forums, polls, and career
resources.

NASA managers and mentors nominated the recipients from hundreds of
current interns and fellows across the agency. NASA's internships are
among the most exciting research and educational opportunities
available to college students. This online initiative also serves as
a vehicle for recognizing outstanding student contributions. The
community elevates the visibility and contribution of the
ambassadors, providing increased involvement with the agency's
exploration and STEM education missions.

"The NASA Student Ambassadors Virtual Community serves as an outreach
vehicle to the nation's students and is an effective way to engage
exceptional Gen-Y students," added Mabel J. Matthews, NASA's higher
education manager. "This innovative activity is important to helping
the agency attract, engage, educate and employ future scientists and
engineers."

For more information about the NASA Student Ambassadors Virtual
Community and to see an interactive U.S. map containing the names and
schools of the 2012 Cohort IV participants, visit:

http://intern.nasa.gov

For more information about education at NASA, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/education

-end-

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