When curiosity flies, learning doesn't know. The impact of supporting STEM education goes far beyond the classroom and shapes the future of innovation and exploration. NASA Interactive is the institution’s outreach website that connects NASA experts and resources to communities, educators and students across the country. Under NASA’s STEM Engagement Office, the platform promotes collaboration among educators, organizations and NASA employees to inspire the next generation.

NASA employees are committed to time and expertise through NASA engagement, whether they are passionate about robotics, flight research or inspiring young people to pursue a career in STEM. An example is Aero Fair, a STEM program led by the California STEM engagement office of the Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The initiative brings aviation medicine directly to students, where NASA Armstrong professionals (both in person and in fact) visit classrooms to engage students in a three-day experience, allowing them to learn about aviation, meet NASA professionals, and explore potential career paths that they may not have considered before.

“When volunteers step up their efforts to inspire and promote learning in the classroom, they benefit not only the students they interact with, but our future generations,” said NASA Armstrong’s Pathways Systems Systems Entertainment Giovanna Camacho, who volunteered to attend the event.

Chloe Day, a student at Tropico High School in Rosammond, California, said Aero Fair inspired her to consider a STEM career. “When NASA employees talk about their work and how they can help our world today, it makes me feel like I want to do it, too.”

Educators can demand a fair experience in aviation through NASA's STEM Gateway. Tropico Middle School teacher Shauna Tinich said the programs “give students the opportunity to see themselves as real problems and innovators.” “The most beneficial part of Aero Fair is the reality connection to STEM. The connection to NASA makes students authentic and exciting to students.”

NASA’s website matches employee skills and interests, while educators and community organizations can use it to require educational support at public speakers, classroom visits and events.

For many volunteers, this experience is just as inspiring as the student is. “Whenever I volunteer, I’m inspired,” Camacho said. “It inspired me to continue pursuing making a difference.”

NASA Armstrong’s Center for Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs Gary Laier and Aero Fair volunteers both agreed: “It’s a meaningful experience for students, teachers and NASA volunteers. I love the opportunity to inspire youth and make them excited about their future.”

By participating in outreach activities such as Aero Fair, career groups or events, NASA staff not only helps inspire curiosity and provide knowledge to students and the community, but also strengthens NASA’s connection with the communities it serves.

Educators, organizations and community groups can connect with NASA in two ways. Through NASA participation, external groups can ask NASA to support their activities, such as inviting a NASA spokesperson or scheduling a classroom visit and providing outreach materials. Meanwhile, NASA STEM Gateway provides individuals with opportunities to participate in programs such as STEM events, internships and Aero Fair developed by NASA. To request NASA to attend the event or learn more about NASA STEM opportunities, visit