The NASA Science, Engineering, Mathematics, and Aerospace Academy (SEMAA) began in Cleveland in 1993, at the urging of then U.S. Congressman Louis Stokes. Concerned about the low level of academic achievement for the young students in his district, the Congressman advocated the creation of a unique program that would focus on the areas of mathematics and science. In the years since its inception, the NASA SEMAA program has emerged as a nationally renowned leader in the efforts to increase the participation in and retention of historically underserved K-12 youth in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Established as a joint venture between NASA Glenn Research Center and Cuyahoga Community College, the program has grown from a single site to a national organization with 17 sites in 13 states and the District of Columbia.

These site locations include community colleges, four-year colleges/universities, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), primary/secondary schools, science centers and museums. Collectively, the SEMAA sites have inspired, engaged, and educated over 220,000 students, parents/adult family members and teachers over the course of the past three years alone. Each NASA SEMAA site is required to develop a Sustainability Plan to enhance local project operations, as well as to ensure project sustainability beyond NASA funding. During the 2006 fiscal year, NASA SEMAA sites leveraged a network of 200+ partners that contributed a record number of sustaining funds for SEMAA in excess of $2.6 Million (including both financial and in-kind support).

The NASA SEMAA project is managed by the Educational Programs Office at NASA Glenn Research Center, with contractor support provided by Paragon TEC, Inc. NASA SEMAA, together with its 200+ STEM partners, continues its work around the country to inspire, engage, and educate the next generation of explorers. For more information about the National Organization, visit www.semaa.net.

Annual Report