NASA is announcing the newest group of schools selected for the NASA Explorer Schools Program at 1 p.m. EDT Friday, May 5 in the agency’s headquarters auditorium, 300 E St. S.W., Washington.

Media are invited to attend, and interview opportunities will be available. Media planning to attend should contact Staci Johnson at: (202) 358-7232 by 5 p.m. EDT Thursday, May 4.

NASA’s Explorer Schools Program began in 2003. The program targets students in grades 4-9, particularly those in traditionally underserved and underrepresented communities. The program is sponsored by NASA in conjunction with the National Science Teacher’s Association. It establishes three-year collaborations between NASA and school teams.

The program provides an opportunity for schools, administrators, students, and their families to partner with NASA to fulfill the agency’s mission of contributing to the development of the nation’s future science, technology, engineering, and mathematics workforce.

For information about the NASA Explorer Schools Program, visit:

http://www.explorerschools.nasa.gov/portal/site/nes