Kentucky Space Grant Consortium NASA-Kentucky Partnership Bringing the benefits of NASA to Kentucky, and the benefits of Kentucky to NASA. Bellarmine University * Centre College * Eastern Kentucky University * Kentucky Center for Space Enterprise * Kentucky State University * Morehead State University * Murray State University * Northern Kentucky University * Thomas More College * Transylvania University * Tribo Flow Separations * University of Kentucky * University of Louisville * Western Kentucky University HIGHER EDUCATION: Mentored Undergraduate and Graduate Research in Kentucky - Space-related and NASA-related student research integrates practical experience into the higher education of our future science and technology workforce. The students plan projects, propose for funding, utilize NASA resources in the research, and present their results at professional meetings, often winning awards for their projects. PRECOLLEGE EDUCATION: KSGC Kentucky Teacher Institutes provide continuing professional development for teachers through access to NASA resources and materials that support the National Science Education Standards and the Kentucky Program of Studies. NASA partners include NASA Education Division's Aerospace Education Specialists Program (AESP) and the NASA Office of Education. GENERAL PUBLIC EDUCATION: NASA-Based Public Planetarium Presentations provide public access to NASA resources and increased public awareness of the nation's space efforts. Results from NASA missions and research are presented to enable thousands of Kentucky's citizens each year to share in the excitement of space science and exploration. UNIQUE RESOURCE: Robotic Telescope Network - We lead the STARBASE consortium in developing a network of research mentors and internet-operated telescopes to provide high- level research experiences for high school and undergraduate students. The included Hands-On Universe program provides multi-level educational experiences in accessing and utilizing astronomical telescopes. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM: Interdisciplinary Aerospace Development - KSGC has developed project-based workforce development and training experiences in which Kentucky students work toward development of aircraft that could be used to explore Mars, unmanned aeronautical vehicles (UAVs), and a lunar rover for the NASA Moonbuggy Competition. Our comprehensive student experiences simulate NASA missions in microcosm, with students experiencing the range of roles, responsibilities, constraints, and interactions across the spectrum of project management, planning, preparation, and execution -- including interaction with advisors from NASA and aerospace industry. POSITIVE IMPACT OF SPACE GRANT FUNDS: Collaborative Interactions with NASA - The crowning achievements for students in our program involve special opportunities for interaction with NASA. For example, eight Kentucky students, selected nationally, have participated in the NASA Academy program, gaining intensive education in research and the operations of NASA, and developing their capabilities for leadership in future space efforts. Kentucky's participation in NASA's Vision for Space Exploration helps motivate science, math, and engineering education, for the Nation's future technological workforce..