Giva Salutes: National Institute of Aerospace
At Giva we search for organizations, large and small, that are doing a great job of changing the world around them for the better; and we are pleased to salute them here!
Today, Giva salutes a national nonprofit dedicated to higher education and space exploration. The National Institute of Aerospace (NIA), founded in 2002 as a project partner of the NASA Langley Research Center, works with more than nine different member universities, and is sponsored by NASA, the Federal Aviation Administration, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the National Science Foundation. This nonprofit works to engage young scholars in conducting aerospace research, developing the world's newest technology, and inspiring innovation for the future.
One of the most remarkable acts of service this nonprofit provides is its prestigious graduate school program. A handful of extremely talented M.S. or Ph.D students across the world are picked for this program, which includes a Graduate Assistant-ship package. Each full-time scholar is provided a fully-paid tuition that allows him or her to choose from courses provided by the member institutions, a stipend of $22,000 - $26,000 to conduct research, a fund of $1,500 to cover traveling expenses, as well as a fund that covers health insurance. In addition, each student will receive the aid of a graduate mentor and access to the world's most cutting-edge space technology. Dissertation research work is available, and each thesis candidate receives the guidance of a NASA mentor and a faculty adviser.
For those young scholars itching to reach beyond the skies of our galaxy, but feel grounded in grade school, NIA hosts a variety of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programs and support training for school levels K-20. Programs such as its Center for Integrative STEM Education help connect teachers and students alike to a new world by providing talks, challenges, and techniques to teach STEM subjects. Its E-Clips program also provides short educational videos that anyone anywhere in the world can watch, learn, and be inspired.
NIA's radio show, Innovation Now, provides insight into the frontier of space and aeronautic research. With over 500 ninety-second radio podcast episodes, one will surely find something that inspires them about the stars.
Through its commitment to education, the National institute of Aerospace continues to nurture wonder and curiosity.