About NESSP

Northwest Earth and Space Sciences Pathways (NESSP) is one of NASA’s Science Activation Teams and is funded through the NASA Science Mission Directorate.

NASA centers have traditionally acted as hubs for professional development for teachers, access points for NASA educational materials, and on-site experiences for teachers and students. However, only eight states are fortunate enough to house NASA centers — and none are within our region. NESSP serves as a “virtual NASA center” for residents of the Pacific Northwest, giving students and teachers in our region access to innovative and informative educational materials that engage student interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

NESSP offers hands-on NASA science experiences and educational resources:

• Professional development for educators
• Short-term outreach
• STEM academies and summer camps
• The ROADS National Challenges that are based on NASA missions
• Talks from NASA experts
• Equipment, training, and support

NESSP is based at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA, and partners with:

• UW Riverways at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA
• Montana State University in Bozeman, MT
• Montana Learning Center in Canyon Ferry, MT
• The University of Idaho in Moscow, ID
• The Museum of Flight in Federal Way, WA
• Pacific Science Center in Seattle, WA
• Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ
• Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland, OR
• Olympic Educational Service District in Bremerton, WA
• West Sound STEM in South Park Village, WA
• Red-Tailed Hawks in Mukilteo, WA