Goals

The NASA Glenn High School Engineering Institute introduces students to engineering and technology concepts used by STEM professionals at NASA to accomplish their research and development work. Students will utilize the Engineering Design Process to design and test prototypes relevant to NASA Glenn areas of expertise in Acoustic Damping, Power Management and Distribution, and Simulated Lunar Operations.  Students can apply the skills developed in this institute to their future academic and STEM career pursuits.

Scope

During the five-day Institute, students will complete rigorous training, develop designs, and test prototypes. NASA Glenn will provide the technical expertise, guidance, and materials to complete the Institute at no cost to participants (students are responsible for their own meals).

Eligibility/Requirements

This opportunity is open to rising Juniors (11^th grade) and Seniors (12^th grade) for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year. Students must have a minimum 3.2 GPA certified by their school counselor and a teacher recommendation. Additional requirements are listed in the Supplemental Application .

Key Dates

Session 1 – July 07-11, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Session 2 – July 14-18, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Session 3 – July 21-25, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

How to Apply

Application opens: April 11, 2025

Application closes: May 9, 2025

To apply for this opportunity, please complete the NASA Gateway application by clicking here

To access the Supplemental Application, click here

Note: Students must complete both applications to be considered for this opportunity. Supplemental application and recommendation letter should be emailed to GRC-Ed-Opportunities@mail.nasa.gov

Please do not email transcripts.

Featured Content

Students will complete the following three activities during the Institute:

Acoustic Damping – How can we reduce noise pollution from jet engines? Students will develop acoustic liners with various shapes and patterns to test which design is the most effective at absorbing sound. Acoustic liners are typically placed in front of the turbo blades of a jet engine to absorb the noise generated by the engine.  Students will use an additive manufacturing process to replicate their designs that will be tested in a student built acoustic impedance tube that will serve as the test rig for this capstone. Acoustic materials must be designed so that air can pass through the material.

Power Management and Distribution – How can we develop a smart power system for future space stations? Students will design a Power System that will provide power to fans that circulate air utilizing solar and battery power.  With the use of a microprocessor, students will create a power system that will automatically re-route power at low levels as well as providing an automated shutdown when both power sources are low.  If time permits, students can add additional load features such as lights and load banks to simulate computers and experiments.

Simulated Lunar Operations – Can we invent tires that don’t use air?  Students will design and fabricate a wheel that does not inflate and can function in an environment with little or no atmosphere.  Student designed wheels must not exceed five (5) inches in diameter and perform on dry sand over six (6) feet on a grade of seven (7) degrees while carrying as much weight as possible.  Wheels will be evaluated by vehicle motion generated by traction forces only.  Any motion generated by propulsion forces observed by “kicking up” sand will not be considered.

Click below to download a copy of the informational flyer and announcement of the

2025 NASA Glenn High School Engineering Institute

Contact Information

Gerald Voltz
Program Specialist
Email: GRC-Ed-Opportunities@mail.nasa.gov
Phone: (216) 433-6656

Glenn Research Center – Office of STEM Engagement