State Representative Jim Pitts is pleased to announce the launch of this year's High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS). HAS will enable selected Texas students to explore and become a part of NASA's plan for space exploration, which will send humans back to the moon, then on to Mars and beyond. After the students utilize their math and science skills to complete 10 web-based assignments during the school year, they will travel to Johnson Space center in Houston during the summer and use those same skills to help investigate options for sending humans to Mars alongside their peers and real NASA scientists and engineers.

"This is one of the most outstanding programs our state offers for high school juniors," state Rep. Pitts. "We have had students that participated from various school districts in the Ellis/Hill county region, and each student has felt the program was extremely beneficial."

• U.S. citizen
• Texas resident
• Currently a high school junior
• Interest in science, math, or engineering
• Able to commit to a relationship with JSC, including a one-week residential experience during the summer
• Access to the internet and e-mail (at home, school, or public library)

The State of Texas, in partnership with Johnson Space Center and the Texas educational community, developed the High School Aerospace Scholars in 1999 to encourage more students to pursue studies and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Additional partners include the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, University of Houston System, and Rotary NASA. More than 2000 students from across Texas have participated in the program.

"I really hope several students from my legislative district will apply this year," said Mr. Pitts. "This is truly an unbelievable and unforgettable experience." High school juniors interested in applying for the 2008-2009 program should visit the web at: http://aerospacescholars.jsc.nasa.gov/.