NASA Kicks Off New Summer of Innovation Initiative

MEDIA RELATIONS OFFICE
JET PROPULSION LABORATORY
CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
PASADENA, CALIF. 91109 TELEPHONE 818-354-5011
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov

Veronica McGregor 818-354-9452
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.
veronica.mcgregor@jpl.nasa.gov

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

NEWS RELEASE: 2010-196 June 10, 2010

NASA KICKS OFF NEW SUMMER OF INNOVATION INITIATIVE

The full version of this story with accompanying images is at:
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.cfm?release=2010-196&cid=release_2010-196

PASADENA, Calif. – NASA Administrator Charles Bolden kicked off the agency's new Summer
of Innovation initiative today while at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calf.

The Summer of Innovation program will engage thousands of middle school students in science,
technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) during the summer months when many students
experience what's known as the "summer slide," a loss of skills acquired during the school year. The
program is a cornerstone of the Educate to Innovate campaign announced by President Obama last
November.

About 250 middle school students from the Los Angeles area participated in the kickoff festivities,
which included an opportunity to interact with astronauts, NASA scientists and engineers, several
hands-on educational activities; and a visit to the facility where the next Mars rover is being built.
The students also were treated to musical entertainment provided by actor/rapper Daniel Curtis Lee.

"It is wonderful to feel the excitement generated by these students as they experienced first-hand
what fascinating and challenging opportunities exist for students who follow STEM career paths,"
said Administrator Bolden. "I hope that by getting these students involved in NASA's missions and
programs now, it may pave the way for a new generation of scientists and engineers, which is
critically important to our nation's future."

NASA's Summer of Innovation program is a broad, nationwide effort that will leverage
partnerships with academia, industry and government. This program and the agency's other
education programs support NASA's commitment to excellence in science, technology, engineering
and mathematics, which will play a key role in preparing, inspiring, encouraging and nurturing the
nation's future work force.

To learn more about this program and the opportunities available, visit http://www.nasa.gov/soi . For
information about NASA education programs, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/education .

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