SHARP Provides Exposure, Discoveries and Insight for High School Students (cont'd)

Di Li and Kelvin Fong, Mistress and Master of Ceremonies

They were given unlimited access to the Learning Center, which can provide Goddard residents' unlimited learning potential in many areas of study. The scholars were also provided an opportunity to speak with former senator and astronaut Jake Garn about his experiences in space as well as his political career.

Begun in 1980, NASA SHARP is an agency-wide program offering a select group of area high school students the opportunity to pair with scientists, engineers and technology specialists to work on research-based projects. SHARP was specifically designed to attract and increase underrepresented student participation and success rates in science, mathematics and technology.

To be eligible to participate in SHARP at Goddard, students must have an overall 3.0 grade-point average; demonstrate a strong interest in and aptitude for a career in mathematics, engineering or the sciences; be a permanent state resident; attend school within a 50-mile radius of Goddard; and be available on a full-time basis for the 8-week duration of the program.

As apprentices, the students learn and earn. After participating in an orientation process, they are assigned to work with a NASA mentor in a specific technical area. During this apprenticeship, the students carry out assignments and participate in a variety of enrichment activities such as career counseling and field trips.

SHARP was not only designed to attract and increase underrepresented students' participation and success rates in mathematics and science courses but to also build a pool of science and engineering professionals in the workplace.

	Closing ceremony cake has photo of SHARP interns Photos by Chris Gunn

"NASA has made the commitment to inspire the next generation," said Dr. Antoinette Wells, Goddard education specialist speaking on behalf of Dr. Robert Gabrys, Goddard Education Officer. She said that this is accomplished by offering programs like SHARP. She singled out the efforts of Myrtle Brijbasi, SHARP coordinator for Goddard and the mentors for each student. Wells admitted that the programs' success is dependent upon on these highly motivated individuals. "They have the ultimate responsibility to encourage and inspire…. as only NASA/Goddard can.

How well is NASA/Goddard inspiring? Check out these comments from 2003 SHARP participant Ritu Saksena of Seton Keough High School, "The NASA SHARP Program has taught me to reach for the stars. Everyone at NASA once had a dream and they followed it, till their dream became a reality. I will never forget the valuable experiences I have had here at Goddard and I will always follow my dreams. The NASA SHARP Program is only the beginning of a long pipeline with NASA and my dream is to follow this pipeline to its very end."