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May 1, 2006

Media Contacts: Sonja Alexander/Staci Johnson
NASA Headquarters, Washington
(202) 358-1761/7232

RELEASE: 06-206

NASA REQUESTS PROPOSALS FOR EDUCATION COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT

NASA's Office of Education Minority University Research and Education
Program is requesting proposals for an agency cooperative agreement
notice, Motivating Undergraduates in Science and Technology (MUST)
project.

NASA invites proposals from minority serving institutions, which
include historically black colleges and universities, Hispanic
serving institutions, tribal colleges and universities and non-profit
organizations that serve underrepresented students. Partnerships
among these organizations are encouraged to apply.

The MUST project is focused on engaging students from underserved and
underrepresented groups to enter science and technology academic
programs and later the science, technology, engineering and
mathematics workforce. The MUST project encourages universities to
recruit undergraduate students with aptitude and interest in science
and technology fields that sustain NASA's projected workforce
requirements.

NASA continues its commitment to attracting eligible students into
agency career fields with a special emphasis on outreach to those
underrepresented and underserved groups.

The MUST project will support students majoring in fields related to
NASA's science and technology interests during the crucial early
years of undergraduate studies.

"We are preparing the pathway for the next generation of explorers and
innovators with great anticipation. These individuals must fully
represent our Nation's vibrant and rich diversity. NASA's Office of
Education is committed to providing opportunities for all students to
explore and develop their full learning potential," said NASA's
(Acting) Assistant Administrator for Education Angela Phillips Diaz.

The MUST project will offer one-year competitive scholarships to
freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and transfer students to provide up to
half of tuition and fees, not to exceed $10,000 per academic year. It
also provides a stipend to participate in an internship. The project
will assist participants in establishing mentoring relationships and
provide tutoring to help support the student's academic program.

NASA expects to award one cooperative agreement under this notice. The
maximum annual value of this award to an individual minority serving
institution or nonprofit organization is $1.75 million, with a total
possible performance period of three years.

To directly access this solicitation, visit:

http://nspires.nasaprs.com

For information about NASA's education programs, visit:

http://www.education.nasa.gov

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