Two Middleburg Academy juniors have been selected to participate in the 2013 Summer Academy at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA. Caroline Greer of Aldie and Jake Singh of Middleburg have been pushing themselves to complete ten demanding web-based modules (due every two weeks since December) as part of their commitment to being Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS).

As a result of the quality of their work and their dedication to the program, both students were among the top 30% (out of more than 500 initial participants) selected to attend the week-long, all expenses paid residential experience in July.

The VASTS program is an interactive on-line science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning experience, highlighted by the seven-day residential summer academy at NASA Langley. Students selected to participate in the program are immersed in NASA-related research through interaction with scientists, engineers and technologists. The program is a partnership between the Virginia Space Grant Consortium and NASA Langley Research Center with assistance from the Virginia Department of Education. The program is modeled after the highly successful, NASA award winning Texas Aerospace Scholars program developed by NASA Johnson Space Center. NASA Johnson Space Center provides the online learning modules.

Greer and Singh's rigorous assignments for VASTS have been accomplished in addition to their ongoing academic and other responsibilities at their independent college preparatory high school in Middleburg.

Projects focus on providing solutions to real-world challenges, including designing upgrades to be used on the International Space Station (ISS) and a new Crew Exploration Vehicle. The two have also participated in discussion forums on current space-related topics with other Scholars, NASA scientists and engineers, and honing their technical writing skills.

The extraordinary Summer Academy opportunity will include:

• A team project in which students design a feasible human mission to Mars and then present it to NASA scientists, engineers, and administrators; aerospace industry representatives; state legislators; and other VIPs
• Tours of NASA Langley facilities and labs not typically open to the public
• Mentoring by NASA engineers, scientists, and technologists
• Participation in hands-on scientific and engineering activities, including designing, building and field-testing robotic rovers
• Briefings and seminars by astronauts, engineers, scientists and other NASA experts.

They will be housed with other Summer Academy Scholars at nearby Christopher Newport University and could receive up to four college credits upon the successful completion of both the online course and Summer Academy.