NASA to fund $11.5M in school grants

WASHINGTON, March 31 (UPI) -- The U.S. space agency has awarded $11.5 million in grants to public school districts and not-for-profit education organizations.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration said the nationwide program is designed to engage students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, enhance secondary students' academic experiences and improve educators' abilities to engage and stimulate their students.

Nine proposals were selected for funding to school districts and educational organizations in the District of Columbia and eight states: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland and Virginia. Winning proposals were selected through a merit-based, peer-reviewed competition.

NASA said the awards have a two-year period of performance and range in value from $300,000 to $1.4 million.