WASHINGTON — NASA announced partnerships with nine organizations that will help the agency implement its 2011 Summer of Innovation (SoI) education program.

SoI uses NASA’s out-of-this-world missions and technology programs to boost summer learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, particularly for underrepresented and underperforming students.

The SoI 2011 partners are:

– Chester County Intermediate School District-Unit 24, Downingtown,
Pa.
– Albany State University, Albany, Ga.
– Nebraska Department of Education, Lincoln
– Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence, Houston
– University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho
– Puerto Rico Institute of Robotics, Inc., San Juan, Puerto Rico
– Rio Grande Valley Science Association, Edinburgh, Texas
– Indiana Association of United Ways, Inc., Indianapolis
– South Dakota Discovery Center and Aquarium, Pierre

“I am delighted that we have such a broad and diverse group of partner organizations ready to implement this year’s Summer of Innovation program.” said Leland Melvin, NASA associate administrator for education. “We look forward to building on the momentum that began last year, so we can engage and inspire even more middle school students to reach higher and pursue STEM career opportunities.”

NASA intends to award nine cooperative agreements for these SoI partnerships that total approximately $6.75 million. Awards have a period of performance of 48 months. The selected partners will engage students during the summer with follow up during the academic year through afterschool programs.

Awardees will develop strong collaborations between school districts and informal education providers to excite and engage thousands of students in high quality learning experiences. NASA also will support these partner institutions as they engage local teachers in professional development to support high quality instruction in STEM disciplines.

NASA’s goal is to increase the number of future scientists, mathematicians and engineers, with an emphasis on broadening participation by low-income and minority students.

For more information about the Summer of Innovation program, visit: http://www.nasa/gov/soi

For information about NASA’s education programs, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/education