NASA Announces New Explorer School in North Carolina: NASA recently welcomed twenty-six new NASA Explorer Schools in a partnership to inspire students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. NASA Explorer Schools provide unique opportunities designed to engage and educate the future scientists who may someday help advance U.S. scientific interests through space exploration. Cherokee Elementary School was one of the schools selected. The following North Carolina schools are participating in the NASA Explorer School Program:

Cherokee Middle School, Cherokee
Vance Elementary School, Asheville
D.F. Walker Elementary School, Edenton
Northwoods Park Middle School, Jacksonville

Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools (Explorer School from 2003-2006; continues to have a relationship with NASA.)

Part of NASA's elementary and secondary programs, the schools look to attract and retain students in science and technical fields through a progression of educational opportunities for students, teachers, and administrators. NASA's 150 Explorer Schools' teams, which primarily come from minority and under represented communities, represent all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

Selected schools are eligible to receive up to $17,500 during the three-year partnership to help buy technology tools. The program also provides educators and students with content-specific activities that can be used in many local and state curricula to excite students about science and math.

The NASA Explorer Schools program was chosen as one of the "Top Innovations in American Government Awards for 2006" by the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

For a list of the NASA Explorer Schools and additional information, visit: http://www.explorerschools.nasa.gov/portal/site/nes