Sonja Alexander                   June 28, 2001
Headquarters, Washington, DC
(Phone:  202/358-1761)

James M. Strandquist
Modern Technology Systems, Inc., Riverdale, MD
(Phone:  301/985-5171)

RELEASE:  01-131

NASA GIVES STUDENTS "SHARP" EXPERIENCE

     NASA and Modern Technology Systems, Inc., Riverdale, MD, 
have selected 208 students to participate in hands-on 
research at various NASA field installations. NASA's 2001 
Summer High School Apprenticeship Research Program, or SHARP, 
not only allows the students to actually participate in 
research but pays them a salary as well.

An intensive science and engineering apprenticeship program, 
SHARP is specifically designed to attract and increase 
underrepresented students' participation and success rates in 
mathematics, science, technology and engineering courses. 
SHARP also is used to encourage career paths that help build 
a pool of underrepresented science and engineering 
professionals in the work place.

SHARP apprentices are selected from an applicant pool of 
approximately 1,200 students nationwide. During their eight-
week apprenticeships, students can conduct meaningful 
research and participate in a variety of educational and 
professional development activities.

Since its inception in 1980, approximately 3,114 students 
have participated in the program and more than 3,400 NASA 
employees have served as SHARP mentors. Although the program 
is for underrepresented groups, NASA seeks diversity in all 
student support programs. Consequently, all eligible high 
school students are encourage to apply to the program.

SHARP is sponsored by NASA's Education Division and 
participating NASA field installations. The program is 
managed by Modern Technology Systems, Inc.

More information is available at:  www.mtsibase.com/sharp

                           -end-