NASA signs education internship contract

Washington -- The U.S. space agency has selected the Universities Space Research Association to lead its undergraduate student research project.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration signed a five-year agreement with the Columbia, Md., association to lead a national comprehensive educational initiative designed to provide real-world experience to U.S. science, technology, engineering and math students.

NASA said the USRP will provide "hands-on internships to undergraduates pursuing academic degrees that align with NASA's critical workforce competency needs." The internships will include mentors who are NASA scientists and engineers.

The contract that covers all 50 U.S. states, as well as U.S. territories, is valued at $17 million.

© 2007 United Press International.