blast.spacegrant.orgVirginia Space Grant Consortium

Toggle navigationK-12 Students K-6th Grade K-6th Student Resource Links 7th-9th Grade Technology Exploration Saturdays BLAST 10th Grade Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS) 11th-12th Grade Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) Virginia Earth Systems Science Scholars(VESSS) Pathways Flight Academies Private Pilot Ground School Higher Education Students Internships CSIIP NASA Internships STEM Takes Flight Scholarships and Fellowships Community College STEM Scholarships STEM Bridge Scholarships Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarships Graduate STEM Research Fellowships Student Research Conference Scholarship and Fellowship Awardees ACRP ACRP Design Competition ACRP Graduate Research Awards Educators Innovative Projects New Investigator Program Plant the Moon Challenge STEM Takes Flight Professional Development Opportunities STEM Careers Aviation Pathways Security+ Exam Preparation CSIIP Next Steps in STEM Geospatial Technology and DronesK-12 Students K-6th Grade K-6th Student Resource Links 7th-9th Grade Technology Exploration Saturdays BLAST 10th Grade Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS) 11th-12th Grade Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) Virginia Earth Systems Science Scholars(VESSS) Pathways Flight Academies Private Pilot Ground School Higher Education Students Internships CSIIP NASA Internships STEM Takes Flight Scholarships and Fellowships Community College STEM Scholarships STEM Bridge Scholarships Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarships Graduate STEM Research Fellowships Student Research Conference Scholarship and Fellowship Awardees ACRP ACRP Design Competition ACRP Graduate Research Awards Educators Innovative Projects New Investigator Program Plant the Moon Challenge STEM Takes Flight Professional Development Opportunities STEM Careers Aviation Pathways Security+ Exam Preparation CSIIP Next Steps in STEM Geospatial Technology and Drones Search for: Toggle sidebar & navigation Building Leaders for Advancing Science and Technology, BLAST, is a FREE program designed to help Virginia 8th and 9th-grade students find their place in STEM. Participants spend three days at a college dorm doing hands-on STEM activities. BLAST is a partnership between the VSGC, Old Dominion University, Radford University, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, William & Mary, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Information Flyer Online Application Promo Video Applications: Open December 1 – February 1 Contact: Veronica Warwick or Debbie Ross, vsgcblast@odu.edu 2024 Program Dates: ODU: June 16-19 W&M: June 23-26 VT: July 7-10 RU: July 21-24 UVA: July 28-31 Home About Students Educators Partners FAQ Home Building Leaders for Advancing Science and Technology offers an exciting way for rising 9th and 10th grade students to spend three days of summer! Participating students get to stay in a college dorm and see what campus life is like on-site at one of our five partner universities: Old Dominion University, Radford University, the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, or William & Mary. No previous experience in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) is needed, and this program is FREE for participants. BLAST is designed to increase students access to high quality, immersive STEM experiences, and help students find their place in STEM. Each day of BLAST is jam-packed with STEM-related activities and demonstrations led by faculty of the university. Students come away from BLAST with a greater sense of curiosity, deeper insight about the variety of careers that exist in STEM fields, and enhanced readiness for advanced programs in science, technology, engineering, and math. Click the button above to watch a video that shows a snapshot from past BLAST sessions. You will find more information about the program, as well as the online application, through the tabs above. The BLAST program is a partnership between the , Old Dominion University, Radford University, the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, William & Mary, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. About Program History Building Leaders for Advancing Science and Technology (BLAST) is a partnership between the , Old Dominion University (ODU), Radford University (RU), University of Virginia (UVA), Virginia Tech (VT), William & Mary (W&M), and the Commonwealth of Virginia. The program was funded by the General Assembly with the purpose of increasing the number of high school graduates who pursue STEM careers by increasing students’ access to STEM enrichment experiences. BLAST Benefits BLAST exposes students to an exciting range of hands-on STEM learning experiences and gives participants a sense of what life is like on a college campus. Through faculty and staff-led activities, demonstrations, tours, and guest lectures, students fine-tune their STEM interests and discover how they can align with a range of STEM careers. Many participants have shared that these experiences helped them make decisions about what classes to take before they graduate high school, and majors they will consider in college. Students may apply to attend any ONE session at either William & Mary, Virginia Tech, the University of Virginia, Radford University, or Old Dominion University. Click here for a sample schedule Students Qualifications and Requirements Be a current 8 th or 9 th grade student at a Virginia middle, high, home-school or private school. Be a Virginia resident and U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident. Have at least a C+/B- average (minimum 2.7 GPA). Have a desire to explore STEM opportunities. Not have previously attended BLAST. Selection Process All qualified applications will be reviewed by a panel of educators, and student selections will be made for the number of available slots for each university. Geographic and demographic diversity are taken into consideration as well as students who have not had previous access to STEM enrichment experiences. Applicants will be notified of acceptance at the end of March. Click here to apply. Educators Calling all middle and high school STEM and CTE teachers! We are looking for teachers with the following experience: Holds a current teaching license in a STEM subject for Virginia middle or high school. Formal education experience teaching earth science, aviation, and/or integrative STEM education, preferred Ability to attend mandatory teacher chaperone orientation Ability to attend one or more BLAST sessions BLAST chaperones will attend the BLAST residential program at one or more of the five sessions to be held at Old Dominion University, William & Mary, Virginia Tech, Radford University, and/or the University of Virginia. In addition to supporting the summer session(s), BLAST Chaperones will serve as program ambassadors during the fall of the following school year by promoting the program within their district. BLAST chaperones will accompany and walk students to all activities, tours, and demonstrations and encourage participation. Chaperones will assist with or orchestrate icebreaker activities as needed and ensure student safety. Chaperones will complete online tutorials and background checks as required by the university Youth Protection Office. BLAST Teacher Chaperone Stipend $1000 Accommodations All meals will be provided during the BLAST session. Chaperones will be housed at the institution’s dorms, near their student group. Application Deadline: February 1 Letters of Recommendation Two letters of recommendation must be provided by a current or former supervisor, department chair, school administrator, or someone who can attest to the applicant’s professional qualifications. Once the applicant has submitted their application, the system will email the specified individuals instructions on how to submit their online letters of recommendation. Inform them that they will be receiving an email from notices@spacegrant.net with these instructions. All letters of recommendation must be submitted via the online application system....