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NASA today announced the nine winning informal science education projects selected to receive $7 million in funding under the agency's Competitive Program for Science Museums and Planetariums. The winning projects will engage the public and educators by providing NASA-inspired space, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics learning opportunities. Grants range from approximately $177,000 to $1.25 million.

"Science centers and planetariums contribute significantly to engaging people of all ages in science, technology, engineering and math," said James Stofan, acting associate administrator for NASA's Office of Education. "NASA wants to give the informal education community access to a variety of agency staff and resources while offering professional development opportunities for informal science educators and encouraging the formation of collaborative partnerships."

The selected organizations will partner with NASA's Museum Alliance, an Internet-based, national network of more than 400 science and nature centers, planetariums, museums, aquariums, zoos, and related organizations. Congress initiated the Competitive Program for Science Museums and Planetariums in 2008. The first group of projects began in 2009.

NASA's Office of Education and agency mission directorates collaborated to solicit and review the grant applications. For a list of the selected projects, visit: http://nspires.nasaprs.com