WASHINGTON — NASA has awarded $11.5 million in grants to public school districts, state-based education leadership, and not-for-profit education organizations nationwide as part of a program initiated by Congress in FY 2008. Each grant is expected to leverage NASA’s unique contributions in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, enhance secondary students’ academic experiences, and improve educators’ abilities to engage and stimulate their students.

The selected proposals illustrate innovative approaches to using NASA-themed content in support of secondary-level teaching and learning, with a particular emphasis on high school education.

A total of nine proposals were selected for funding to school districts and organizations in the District of Columbia and eight states: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland and Virginia. Winning proposals were selected through a merit-based, peer-reviewed competition. The awards have a two-year period of performance and range in value from $300,000 to $1.4 million.

For a list of selected proposals, visit: http://nspires.nasaprs.com

For information about the NASA Education program, visit: http://education.nasa.gov

For information about NASA and agency programs, visit: http://www.nasa.gov