Hoping to convince young people to consider careers and education in science, technology, engineering and math, NASA is accepting applications to its Interdisciplinary National Science Program Incorporating Research Experience, known as Inspire.

Targeted at students from 9th to 12th grade, the Inspire project begins in September, although students may begin to apply now. Applications end June 30th.

Those selected will become part of an online learning community in which students, and their parents, will be able to interact with their peers and NASA engineers and scientists. It will also provide activities tailored to the appropriate grade level and online forums where the students and their families can learn more about the various career opportunities at NASA. There will also be competitions for the chance to win access to special events at participating universities and various NASA facilities.

NASA has a number of education and career orientation programs tailored for different grade levels throughout a student's life, from kindergarten to university.

According to the Best Places to Work website, produced by the Partnership for Public Service and American University's Institute for the Study of Public Policy Implementation, there were just over 17,000 people working for NASA in 2006.