NASA / Earth to Sky Academy created in Your Name in Landsat
Applications open June 1st, 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 Academy emphasizes experiential, collaborative learning in a collegial environment. Teams will 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.
We will be taking the Academy virtual this year for the first time. We are hopeful that this may allow groups of dedicated interpreters and informal educators to apply that may not have been able to in the past.
Earth to Sky’s Virtual Academy
When: From October 27-29 & November 3-5, 2026. Each day requires a six-hour commitment: four hours of live training and two hours of teamwork.
Where: Online
Why: Interpreters and informal educators in your region need training on science communication, and you feel ready to be part of a team that will provide that training.
Who: 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 prefer 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.
Cost: Tuition Free
How:
- Gain your supervisor's approval.
- Create a team, view the informational webinar below, and apply!
- Complete the ~11 hours of preparatory work prior to the Academy, including an in-person meetup with your team. Funding will be provided to facilitate your meetup.
- Join the other new teams for Earth to Sky’s Virtual 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.
Existing teams which have reformed with new members may re-apply to attend the Academy. This may be desirable if the team has significant turnover or new goals which could be catalyzed by returning to the Academy.
Academy Goals
Create a network of Earth to Sky Regional Leaders who will:
- Catalyze, nurture, and sustain a regional community of practice of Earth science communicators.
- Develop and conduct effective ETS-style professional development events in their region.
- Participate in the ETS Regional Leaders Network to further the mission of ETS.
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
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Team members connect one on one with NASA staff |
Dr Kate Marvel speaks to attendees of the 2024 Academy |
Team members view a Landsat image during the Academy |
Learn more
Watch the Earth to Sky Virtual Academy informational webinar.
Read answers to questions addressed in this webinar and others, such as about financial support: Frequently Asked Questions
Apply Now
Preference will be given to teams that include an alum of a previous ETS course or mini-course. Teams without an alum will have the opportunity to send at least one team member to a virtual or in person Earth to Sky course to gain the necessary experience. Applicants that provide thoughtful plans for serving place-based interpreters and place-based informal educators, Earth to Sky's core audience, will also receive selection preference.
Download Application as Word Docx: ETSA-2026-Instructions-and-Team-Application.docx
Access Application as Google Doc
***Applications are due by June 30th of 2026***
Get Information about the Next Academy in 2027
We will send out relevant news and reminders about next year's course through the Academy Interest mailing list (separate from our main Earth to Sky mailing list). To join the list, send a blank message to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with "join" in the subject line:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
To gain full access to our extensive resources, the community directory, member map, and mailing list, join the Earth to Sky community! All are welcome to participate in monthly Earth to Sky events, including Community Conversations and our webinar series, Science in Your Pocket and Speaking of Space.
Reach Out!
Questions? Want to discuss your plans and get feedback? Need help connecting with potential teammates in your region? Email Cris White: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.