The next Earth to Sky Academy will be in October - November of 2026. Applications will open on June 1, 2026.
The Earth to Sky (ETS) Virtual Academy is intended to elevate place-based Earth science interpretation and informal education using NASA science and resources. It is designed for teams of experienced interpreters, informal educators, and science communicators who have a commitment to furthering place-based climate literacy for their peers within their region. During the Academy, selected teams will receive training on how to conduct two Earth to Sky science interpretation/education courses using the ETS methodology, to nurture their own regional community of practice, and to participate in the Earth to Sky community of practice.
The ETS Virtual Academy is a tuition-free course hosted by Earth to Sky from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. The content is based on over 20 years of experience and extensive evaluation of the Earth to Sky model. The collegial environment of the Academy provides opportunities for participants to virtually meet and talk with NASA scientists and communication specialists.
Four regional teams were trained at the first Academy in 2019. Five teams were trained at the second Academy in 2022 (course page for 2022 participants). Six teams were trained at the third Academy in 2024 (course page for 2024 participants).
Learn more about Earth to Sky Regions
Emma Johnson reports out to her fellow Academy 2019 cohort about her team's plans for their region.
Participants apply as teams of 3-5 collaborators who have self-selected their geographical region and their primary audience. Your team should reflects a diverse range of backgrounds and expertise in Earth and climate science communication and training. We preferred that the team includes at least one alum of a previous Earth to Sky course. However, teams without an alum will have an opportunity to enroll at least one team member in a separate Earth to Sky course to gain that alum experience.
The Academy emphasizes experiential, collaborative learning in a collegial environment. Teams will be receive the Earth to Sky methodology, NASA resources, and guidance needed to host two Earth to Sky regional courses, along with ongoing support to sustain their regional community of practice.
Time Commitment:
- ~11 hours of preparatory work prior to the Academy
- The Academy: Held online three days a week for two weeks. Each day requires a six-hour commitment: four hours of live training and two hours of teamwork.
- Post-Course: Four followup sessions with all regional leaders in attendance.
Academy topics include:
- Communicating Earth systems and climate science effectively
- Integrating NASA resources in climate communication and interpretation
- Cultivating a robust community of practice
- Applying the Earth to Sky methodology within regional, place-based Earth to Sky courses
- Evaluating programs using proven strategies and best practices
- Engaging audiences dynamically during training sessions
Dr. Claire Parkinson describes some of her research on our planet's changing ice to the Earth to Sky Academy class of 2019 using Goddard Scientific Visualization Studio imagery projected on the NASA hyperwall.
Regional leaders receive ongoing professional development, mentoring, and support from national Earth to Sky leadership throughout their training and for as long as they continue to work on behalf of their regions. During the Academy, participants receive an Earth to Sky Regional Course Guidebook that outlines methodology and provides lesson plans, templates, and a detailed planning timeline for running an Earth to Sky course. Additionally, work time is provided for teams to confer with each other and national leadership as they begin developing plans for their own courses and nurturing their regional community of practice.
Read answers to frequently asked questions about the Academy and the role of Earth to Sky regional leaders:
Read more:
- Article on Earth to Sky Academy from NASA's Earth Observer Magazine
- Read a reflection on attending the 2019 Academy from Upper Delaware River Watershed regional leader Carol Roig. Read about the accomplishments of the Upper Delaware River Watershed regional team.
- Read about a collaboration between interpreters and scientists fostered by Earth to Sky in this 2022 article, The Satellite Stewards of Glacier Bay.
To receive updates and details about future Earth to Sky Academies, send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the word "join" in the subject line.