NASA has inducted 86 top-performing interns into the 2013 NASA Student Ambassadors Virtual Community, a vital component of the agency's ongoing effort to engage undergraduate and graduate students in science, engineering, mathematics and technology (STEM) research and interactive opportunities. This fifth group of student ambassadors, Cohort V, includes interns from 32 states and 70 different universities.

"I want to congratulate the Cohort V members on their selection to become NASA Student Ambassadors," said Associate Administrator for Education Leland Melvin. "We are proud of their commitment to excellence and their willingness to use creativity and innovation to help NASA inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers."

NASA managers and mentors nominated the recipients from the hundreds of current interns and fellows across the agency. NASA's goal is to provide internships that are among the most exciting research and education opportunities available to college students. This online initiative further recognizes exceptional students. The NASA Student Ambassadors Virtual Community aims to elevate the experiences, visibility, and contribution of these students; leverage their presence and input for recruitment; and provide increased involvement with the agency's exploration and STEM education missions.

"The NASA Student Ambassadors Virtual Community will serve as an outreach vehicle to the nation's students as well as a way to engage exceptional NASA interns, fellows and scholars," said Mabel Jones Matthews, director of the Infrastructure Division in NASA's Office of Education. "This innovative activity is a leading effort to help NASA attract, engage, educate and employ the dynamic next generation."

Members of this virtual community will interact with NASA, share information, make professional connections, collaborate with peers, represent NASA in a variety of venues, and help inspire and engage future interns. Through the community's Web site, participants will have access to tools needed to serve as a NASA Student Ambassador, as well as the latest NASA news, blogs, and announcements, member profiles, forums, polls and NASA contact information, and links to cutting-edge research and career resources.

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NASA Selects High-Performing Interns As Student Ambassadors