Five years ago, the NASA Academy (NA) was just an idea brewing in the mind of Dr. Gerald Soffen. His goal was to get quality students involved in a space agency that was in severe need of a transfusion of "fresh blood". Today over 150 students have been through what the vast majority of them will tell you was the most intense, exciting, educational, and rewarding ten weeks of their lives. That alone is something the program staff and NASA Space Grant, as its sponsors, should be proud of. But, in many cases, the experience did not end with the close of the summer; it is still living, breathing, and maturing in the students who have had the opportunity to participate. Because, for most of us, this program has changed our lives, the alumni have decided to officially establish the NASA Academy Alumni Association (NAAA). The following was written by Jon Sims, Indiana, who chaired the 1995 NA Group Project Committee whose goal was to found such an organization:

Not long into NASA Academy III, the research associates realized that the rumors were true; the Academy is a life-changing experience. We felt a strong desire to help ensure the continued success of NASA Academy. We wanted to form an organization through which the alumni could remain connected and could contribute to the development of the Academy. The idea for an Academy alumni association was not new, but the participants of NA III decided to go beyond the discussion stage and begin taking steps toward the formation of an official organization. In addition to promoting communication among the alumni, we wanted the association to provide a framework for us to educate and motivate students and the general public about science and technology in general and space in particular.

We did not have enough time during NA III to complete the task; however, through the tremendous efforts of about a dozen dedicated individuals over the past several months, the project is moving forward. The incorporation papers have been submitted in Maryland to make the NASA Academy Alumni Association an officially recognized nonprofit corporation. Before long, the Association will be acting as a conduit channeling our excitement and enthusiasm for space exploration and development.

The following pages will give you a glimpse into the lasting impact the NASA Academy has had on its research associates, their universities, NASA Space Grant, and the Aerospace community in general. The Alumni Association looks forward to working with NASA and Space Grant to futher enhance the Academy experience for all involved.