Austin — State Senator Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville) today encouraged students in Senate District 3 to apply for the 2008-2009 High School Aerospace Scholars Program (HAS).

"This is an exciting opportunity for students to not only develop math and science skills but also to enjoy hands-on experience in NASA programs," said Nichols.

Each year selected Texas students are invited to explore and take part in NASA's plan for space exploration. Accepted students will complete 10 Web-based assignments during the school year and then travel to the Johnson Space Center in Houston over the summer. While at NASA, these students will work with real NASA scientists and engineers to investigate options for sending humans to Mars.

Eligible students must meet the following criteria:

• U.S. citizen
• Texas resident
• currently a high school junior
• interested in science, math or engineering
• able to commit to a one-week residential experience during the summer
• have internet access and email

The State of Texas, in partnership with the Johnson Space Center and the Texas education community developed HAS in 1999 to encourage more student to purse studies and careers in science, technology, engineering and math. To apply, visit, http://aerospacescholars.jsc.nasa.gov

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