WASHINGTON DC (October 5, 2018) – The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) has been awarded administration of the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS), an U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force program. The mission of JSHS is to promote research and experimentation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at the high school level and to recognize the significance of research in human affairs and the importance of humane and ethical principles in the application of research results. The program reaches more than 4,000 students every year. In its first year, NSTA will provide more than $2 million in services to manage JSHS.

Each year, in 47 regional events, high school students across the nation join the JSHS to present their research projects and compete for scholarship prizes. The regional winners are then invited to a national symposium, to compete for even more scholarships and meet leading researchers and Nobel Prize recipients.

Battelle chose NSTA following an extensive, competitive national search to select an organization to expand enrollment and reach of the symposia. NSTA’s management of the program begins on October 1, 2018 with the potential to extend through September 2023.

“We’re honored to begin our work managing the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium,” said Dr. David Evans, executive director of the NSTA. “NSTA is committed to cultivating the talent of students through science and we’re excited to start working to continue and expand a program that gives so many students the opportunity to shine.”

The Academy of Applied Science managed JSHS on behalf of the tri-services for over four decades. JSHS traces its roots back to 1958 when it was founded by U.S. Army Colonel George F. Leist.

“We commend the Academy of Applied Science for over four decades of tireless work managing JSHS. They helped give hundreds of thousands of students the opportunity to present their work to a field of STEM professionals, be rewarded for research excellence and expand their peer and professional networks,” said Louie R. Lopez, cooperative agreement manager of U.S. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP), U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC). “We thank AAS for their years of service.”

Earning management of JSHS expands NSTA’s role in the consortium of five organizations that deliver a range of programs under the U.S. Army’s strategy priority to engage, inspire and attract the next generation of diverse STEM talent and nurture a STEM-literate citizenry. Among the other programs in the AEOP portfolio, NSTA also manages:

• eCYBERMISSION: A virtual learning experiences for students in grades 6-9 across the United States, its territories and Department of Defense Educational Activity school sites
• Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science (GEMS): A STEM enrichment program for students in grades 5-12 held at participating U.S. Army research laboratories for one to four weeks during the summer
• Camp Invention: A partnership program with the National Inventors Hall of Fame which aims to prepare under-served students at the elementary school level to be competitive for STEM studies and the U.S. Army Educational Outreach Program pathway of STEM opportunities

The Battelle-led consortium of organizations began management of the AEOP in 2015 and aims to nearly double enrollment in consortium programs to 65,000 participants by 2025. In addition to Battelle and NSTA, the consortium consists of Purdue University, Tennessee Technological University, the Technology Student Association, MetriKs Amérique and Widmeyer Communications, a Finn Partners company.

About AEOP

The U.S. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) continues the U.S. Army’s 50-year legacy of supporting a wide range of educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). AEOP provides students and teachers from elementary school through undergraduate education — including priority population and underrepresented students — access to collaborative, high-quality STEM programs that engage, inspire and attract the next generation of STEM talent. In collaboration with strategic partners, we strive to build a diverse, well-prepared, STEM-literate workforce and prepare all students to thrive. Learn more at: www.usaeop.com

About NSTA

The Arlington, Virginia-based National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning, preschool through college. NSTA’s membership includes approximately 50,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business representatives, and others involved in science education.

About Battelle

Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries. For more information, visit www.battelle.org.

For more information contact Katy Delaney at (614) 424-7208 or delaneyk@battelle.org or T.R. Massey at (614) 424-5544 or masseytr@battelle.org or Kate Falk at (703) 312-9211 or kfalk@nsta.org.