National Aeronautics and
Space Administration

Headquarters
Washington, DC 20546-0001

S

Dear Colleague:

We are pleased to release "Partners in Education: A Strategy for Integrating Education and Public Outreach into NASA's Space Science Programs" which is the third volume of the Office of Space Science (OSS) Strategic Plan. The other two volumes--The "Office of Space Science Integrated Technology Strategy" and "Space Science for the 21st Century: A Science Strategic Plan for 1995-2000"--were released in April and September 1994 respectively. Taken as a whole, the three volumes of the OSS Plan both reaffirm our traditional commitment to carry out a world-class program of scientific research and announce our new commitment to make significant contributions that address larger national needs. In particular, this part of our plan responds to national needs to engage the space science community more deliberately and visibly in using its inspirational, science-rich, technology-intensive mission to partner with the education community to strengthen science, technology and mathematics education; to reach out and involve groups which have been historically underrepresented in the space science program; and to enhance public appreciation and understanding of science, mathematics and technology.

The OSS Education and Public Outreach Strategy is one component of NASA's overall contribution to a much larger ongoing national initiative to upgrade science, mathematics and technology education, and scientific and technological literacy in the United States. It has been developed as a collaboration among the Office of Space Science, the Office of Human Resources and Education, and the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs. The Strategy reflects the thoughts and experiences of a diverse group of space scientists, managers, and educators from both inside and outside NASA about how the space science community, in partnership with the education community, can contribute to this broader national agenda.

This Education and Public Outreach Strategy represents an important new direction for OSS. We believe it will set us on a path leading towards greater and more fruitful connections between space science research and American society. Our Strategy reflects the belief that with well- focused and cleverly leveraged efforts which fully engage the enthusiasm, the energy, the dedication, and the creativity of the space science community, we can succeed in having a powerful, positive impact on education and scientific and technological literacy in America.

Sincerely,

Wesley T. Huntress, Jr.
Associate Administrator for
Space Science

Spence M. Armstrong
Associate Administrator for
Human Resources and Education

Yvonne B. Freeman
Associate Administrator for
Equal Opportunity Programs

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