NASA / Earth to Sky Academy created in Your Name in Landsat

Applications are closed for the 2026 Earth to Sky Academy.

The Earth to Sky (ETS) 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. 

Academy Goals

Create a network of Earth to Sky Regional Leaders who will:

1. Catalyze, nurture, and sustain a regional community of practice of Earth science communicators.
2. Develop and conduct effective ETS-style professional development events in their region.
3. Participate in the ETS Regional Leaders Network to further the mission of ETS.

Academy topics include:

• Communicating Earth system science and climate literacy effectively
• Integrating NASA data and resources in science 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

Benefits to Your Regional Team

• Connect with the Experts: Network frequently with a world-class community of NASA scientists, subject matter experts, and experienced science communicators and educators.

• Fund Your Launch: Receive up to $4,000 in seed funding for a pre-Academy team meetup to build synergy and plan your strategy.

• Hone Data Access Skills: Receive personalized, one-on-one tutorials teaching your team exactly how to access and utilize NASA data for your specific projects.

• Build Instant Trust: Enhance your professional credibility with permission to use the "NASA Data at Work" insignia in your trainings.

• Equip Your Team: Walk away with our comprehensive Earth to Sky training methodology guidebook (digital or hard copy) to guide your team’s future work.

• Network with Peers: Join a robust community of experienced and dedicated regional leaders to fold into your network of peers.

• Receive Financial and Mentor Support: Receive up to $9500 in seed fund for each of your team’s first two Earth to Sky courses and connect with a liaison from the national team to help support and guide your planning efforts.

• Assess to NASA Materials: Gain access to books, media and physical materials, and “NASA swag” to support your team’s course materials.

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

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:

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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.