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Eligibility
Do I have to be a U.S. Citizen in order to apply?
Yes. The program is solely for those with U.S. citizenship.
After successfully completing a PSTI, can I apply to a second PSTI?
No, each participant can attend only one PSTI. The PSTI is an entrance-level program designed for students who have not had an opportunity to participate in a PBL guided environment.
I'm a freshman undergraduate student, if this program is for undergraduate students, why can't I participate?
This program is designed for students that will be entering the workforce and PSTI will provide resources they can use in the classroom.
PSTI Program Applications
Is it possible for me to send in an application now and remain on file for consideration next year?
No, your application will only be considered for the current year.
Can my application, transcripts, and references be sent by e-mail or fax?
No. You complete application must be mailed to Alissa Keil, the PSTI Program Coordinator by the posted deadline.
Who should I get to write my references?
References should be submitted by someone familiar with your academic achievements and your academic ability. It is required that you provide one recommendation letter from your college mathematics or science professor.
Am I required to submit transcripts?
Yes. You must request an official transcript from your current institution. The official transcript must be included in your complete application package. On the application, you are required to list all science and mathematics courses taken and for which you are currently enrolled. Grades received must be listed for all completed courses.
Will you let me know if you are missing parts of my application?
No. It is your responsibility to ensure that your PSTI application package is completed and mailed to the PSTI Program Coordinator by the posted deadline. Your PSTI application package must be postmarked by the deadline in order to be considered.
PSTI Program Selection
How does the selection process work?
When the deadline for all applications arrives, an application review committee will review all the PSTI applications. The education personnel at NASA Johnson Space Center are involved in the selection process.
How are applications judged?
Your application will be judged on your K-8 educational experience, your application, your essay, and references comments. You will also be judged on your commitment to a career in K-8 teaching.
When and how will I find out if I’ve been selected?
Notification of your selection will be received via e-mail from NASA Johnson Space Center PSTI Coordinator. This notification will then be followed up with an email notification letter and other documents explaining the details of the two-week PSTI Program. Please check your e-mail frequently, as you will only have 1 week in which to accept an offer once it has been made. The deadline will be posted. If you fail to notify us of your acceptance or decline to our offer (via e-mail), you will forfeit your selection and another participant will be selected. No exceptions will be made.
If I don’t get selected this time, will my application be reviewed again next year automatically or do I have to re-apply?
You must re-apply the following year.
Program Participation
What if I can only participate for a portion of the institute due to other commitments?
Participation requires a full time commitment for the duration of the two week period. You must insure you will be available full time during the entire two weeks. Only those students that have participated full time in the institute and have completed all requirements will be awarded the $500 stipend.
Is there any flexibility in start and end dates?
No. The start date for the NASA Johnson Space Center PSTI is scheduled for July 12-24, 2009. Please note that other NASA Centers across the country offer similar PSTI programs throughout the summer.
Do I get any vacation during the appointment period?
The program does not include vacation or sick leave.
How do I receive my stipend payment and where does it come from?
Your stipend and travel reimbursement check will be mailed after all requirements have been met for the NASA Johnson Space Center PSTI Program. All checks are issued by San Jacinto College.
What kind of travel reimbursement will I receive?
You will be reimbursed for inbound and outbound travel between your home or school and the hotel. See Transportation for more details.
Does the institute pay any tuition costs I might incur while participating?
No. Tuition and fees incurred during your participation in the institute while you are still enrolled in a college or university are not reimbursable.
By participating in this institute, do I become an employee of the administrator, the host institution, or NASA?
No. You will be considered a program participant and will not enter into an employer/employee relationship with the administrator, the host institution, or NASA.
Do I have to prepare a report or give a presentation during or at the end of the two week workshop?
Yes. PSTI Participants will give daily presentations, participate in daily discussions, complete daily homework, complete pre-homework prior to arrival at the PSTI workshop, and give a final presentation. All presentations, reports, and classroom work are requirements for the PSTI Program and are not optional. The work you perform and the knowledge you obtain throughout the Institute, will give you valuable insight into the NASA educational materials you may continue to use in your classroom.
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