How many students can say that they have been to NASA? Well, one student at John I. Burton can: senior, Olivia D., completed a summer academy at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia in July of 2014. Olivia gave me several details about the extraordinary summer program and the online class available to students.
According to Olivia, juniors can enroll in Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS), a program sponsored by NASA. Students will be required to complete an online course throughout the second semester of their junior year. In the online course, students learn about space programs and space ships, how to write technical reports, mathematical formulas, and the components of a mission. The online course is meant to prepare students for the summer academy. If they are one of the top students in the online course they will receive an invitation to the week-long VASTS Summer Academy at NASA Langley. Students who attend the academy will work on all aspects of designing a crewed mission to Mars.
A total 180 students, out of approximately 500, who enroll in the online course get invited to the academy. The academy takes place over a period of three weeks; students have the ability to choose the week they want to attend. In addition, students are able to choose what aspect of the mission they work on. Students who are invited stay at Christopher Newport University, receive tours of NASA facilities, and visit the Virginia Air and Space Center.
Towards the end of our interview Olivia said, "Although it is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, it has been the most rewarding." There are several benefits to taking this course. Taking this course looks exemplary on college applications, students receive college credit, and the program is free of charge. Additionally, students have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit NASA, meet astronauts, and learn from the best scientists in their respective fields. For more information or to sign up, talk to our guidance counselor, Mrs. Davis.