Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Before filling out the application form, please review the information below.

What am I applying for?

You are applying to be the lead instructor for a NESSP ROADS mini-mission happening in July or August 2025. These mini-missions are summer learning experiences led by local educators and community members.

NESSP provides:

Suggested activities and supplies
Instructor training and support
A stipend for instructors

As the lead instructor, you will:

Create the mission schedule
Secure a hosting location
Recruit student participants

There are two mini-mission options this year:

Artemis ROADS
Icy Worlds

Visit our mini-mission webpage to learn more about each option and available resources.

What do I need to complete the application form?

Please prepare the following:

Date and location of the mini-mission you plan to lead
Your chosen mini-mission option (Artemis ROADS or Icy Worlds)
Contact information for the assistant instructor (if applicable)
Estimated number of student participants
Signed Mini-Mission Statement of Work

Priority will be given to educators who:

Serve rural students in WA, OR, MT, ID, or AZ.
Have previously participated in NESSP programs

When can I host a mini-mission?

Mini-missions must take place in July or August. Other dates are unavailable due to staffing and supply constraints.

Where can I host a mini-mission?

Mini-missions must be hosted in public or community spaces such as schools, libraries, or community centers. They cannot be hosted in private residences.

What is a lead mini-mission instructor?

A lead instructor is an adult (18+) responsible for planning, student recruitment, and communication with NESSP. Lead instructors must pass a background check and attend training.

What is an assistant mini-mission instructor?

An assistant instructor supports the lead if there are enough students. Assistant instructors must be 18+, pass a background check, and may attend training (optional). They are eligible for a stipend.

Can other adults help with the mini-mission?

Yes! Additional volunteers may assist but must pass a background check and are not eligible for a stipend.

What are the requirements for student participants?

Students must be in primary or secondary school or under 18 at registration. After background checks and contract signatures are complete, the lead instructor will receive a form to submit participant information (names, ages, etc.).

Can I host more than one mini-mission?

Possibly! Support for multiple missions depends on the number of requests. However, instructors can only receive one stipend per summer. To request multiple missions, email info@nwessp.org.

Do contracts need to be signed by my organization?

Yes. Three documents are required:

Mini-Mission Statement of Work – signed by the lead (and assistant, if applicable) instructor
CWU Standard Agreement Contract – signed by the organization’s Authorized Official
IRS W-9 forms – for stipend recipients

The Statement of Work and W-9s must be uploaded with your application. CWU will email the Standard Agreement to the Authorized Official directly.

Who is an Authorized Official Representative (AOR)?

An AOR is someone legally authorized to sign contracts on behalf of the organization. Examples include principals, superintendents, executive directors, and board chairs.

What if my organization needs changes to the contract?

Some adjustments may be possible. Your organization may submit questions or requests after receiving the contract.

Why is a W-9 required, and where can I get one?

Stipends are reportable to the IRS. Download the W-9 form here: IRS W-9 Form. Forms must include your full address, SSN, and a wet signature.

Is funding available for food or supplies?

Yes! NESSP can reimburse:

Student lunches (up to $15 per participant per day)
$200 for consumable supply purchases

After approval, you’ll receive a budget template and instructions on how to be reimbursed. All purchases must be made by lead instructor.

Why does NESSP need student names and demographics?

NESSP must report participant numbers, ages, and demographic data to NASA. Student names are never shared externally—they are used only to match internal forms such as media releases.

Do I need permission from student guardians?

Yes. Legal guardians must sign a risk and release form (required) and a NASA media release (optional). NESSP will provide both forms.

I still have questions—what should I do?

Please review the mini-mission webpage and information session slides, or email us at info@nwessp.org.

Thank you for your interest and everything you do to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers!

Please type your name to confirm that you have read the FAQ above, and downloaded and completed the Mini-Mission Statement of Work and W9 forms. You will not be able to complete the application without completing these forms.

Instructor and Organization Information

Lead Instructor Name

First

Last

Lead Instructor Email

Lead Instructor Back-Up Email

Lead Instructor Phone Number

Will you have an assistant instructor?

Yes
No

Mini-Mission Information

Which mini-mission do you plan to instruct?

What is the anticipated start date of your mini-mission?

Note mini-missions can only occur in July or August.

What is the anticipated end date of your mini-mission?

Note mini-missions can only occur in July or August.

How do you plan to recruit or invite students to participate in your mini-mission?

How many students do you estimate will attend your mini-mission?

What is the expected age range of the students who will participate in your mini-mission?

Upper elementary (3rd to 5th grade)
Middle school (6th to 8th grade)
High School (9th to 12th grade)

What is the name of the school, organization, or public space (e.g., library or community center) where you plan to host your mini-mission?

Note, you cannot hold a mini-mission in a private residence. Mini-missions can only be held at schools, organizations, or other public meeting space (like a library).

If available, please provide the website for the school, organization, or public space where you plan to host your mini-mission.

Note, you cannot hold a mini-mission in a private residence. Mini-missions can only be held at schools, organizations, or other public meeting space (like a library).

What is the full address of the school, organization, or public space (e.g., library or community center) where you plan to host your mini-mission?

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State

Zip Code

Mini-Mission Instructor Training Requirements

Mini-mission instructors are required to attend two training sessions:

“Preparing Your Mission” (1.5 hours)
This session will help you complete key planning tasks, including building your schedule, submitting supply requests, and filling out the student participant form.
Activity Support Training (2–3 hours)
This training is required for new instructors and provides guidance on how to lead the activities for your selected mini-mission. Training times will be scheduled in coordination with lead instructors after all mini-mission applications have been received.

Please select the date and time you plan to attend the Mini-Mission training session: “Preparing Your Mission.”

Tuesday, May 6th, 2025, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM PST
Wednesday, May 14th, 2025, from 5:00 to 6:30 PM (PST)
Monday, May 19th, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:00 PM (PST)
I can't make any of these times

Mini-Mission Statement of Work and W-9 Forms

You can download the Mini-Mission Statement of Work template here: Mini-Mission Statement of Work

This document outlines the responsibilities of both the lead and assistant instructors, as well as Central Washington University.

It also includes details about the stipends provided. The Statement of Work must be signed by the lead instructor and assistant instructor (if applicable) and uploaded below.

W-9 forms are required for anyone requesting a stipend. The W-9 forms can be downloaded here: IRS W-9 Form

We are required to report the stipend income to the IRS with complete forms. Please, make sure all W-9 forms are fully completed (with social security numbers, home address, and signatures) before uploading.

Please upload a signed Mini-Mission Statement of Work (pdf, png, jpg).

Click or drag a file to this area to upload.

Please include both pages and ensure that all information for the lead and assistant instructor (if applicable) is complete. Incomplete forms will not be accepted.

Are you requesting a stipend for the lead instructor?

Yes
No

Contract Requirements, Background Checks and the W9 Form

Contract Requirements:

Central Washington University (CWU) in Ellensburg, WA, administers the NASA grant that funds NESSP. To meet liability requirements and comply with Washington state laws for youth programs, CWU requires a signed standard contract with the host organization.

Once your organization’s information is received, CWU will customize the contract (see: Example Draft Contract) and email it to the Authorized Official listed in your ROADS Educator Profile. You can view this information by clicking the "View Profile Information" tab.
If the information is outdated or incorrect, please contact us at info@nwessp.org.

The contract can be signed electronically. Any additional required documents—such as proof of insurance—can also be submitted via email.

Background Checks:

CWU will also conduct background checks for the lead instructor and assistant instructor (if applicable). These checks must be completed by CWU, even if the instructor has already undergone a background check through their school or organization. To initiate background checks, instructors will need to complete a short form that will be emailed to them.

W-9 Form:

CWU is required to collect W-9 forms from all stipend recipients to report the income to the IRS. These completed forms will be uploaded during Step 2 of your Mini-Mission application.

Download the W-9 form here: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf

Please type your name to certify that you understand the contract, background check requirements, and risk and release form requirements.

What is the name of the Authorized Official at your organization?