NASA depends on the efforts of several volunteer networks to help implement its formal and informal education goals and to disseminate its key messages related to space and Earth science missions and to broad public initiatives such as the International Year of Astronomy.

NASA Nationwide: A Consortium of Formal and Informal Education Networks is a program that brings together these volunteer networks by creating an online community and shared resources which broaden the member networks' base of support and provide opportunities for these volunteer groups to coordinate, cooperate, and collaborate with each other. NASA Nationwide is a cohesive and consistent mechanism for broadcasting to, engaging, and training all of the networks together on topics of common interest, while maintaining the uniqueness of each program.

The Consortium also provides NASA scientists who are interested in participating in education and public outreach (E/PO) efforts, or have a need to incorporate E/PO efforts into missions and projects, a means to learn more about these groups, get involved, and partner with member networks. Scientists are able to network and connect with volunteer groups through the NASA Nationwide online community and can also get involved in developing E/PO resources for the NASA Nationwide community.

More information about the consortium and its operation and opportunities for collaboration is available by contacting NASA Nationwide Coordinator Kay Ferrari.

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