1. Solar System Ambassadors Reach 40,000-Event Milestone on June 12, 2018
Since the Solar System Ambassadors (SSA) program was reorganized in 2000, volunteers have conducted 40,000 events reaching more than 9 million people directly through in-person events
With continued support from NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, there are now more than 900 volunteers in 50 states and US territories who bring the excitement of NASA missions to their local communities
Racheal Hill (right), an engineer from Lancaster, Texas and participants in an afterschool youth program
While the original Ambassadors were mostly classroom teachers, SSAs now come from all walks of life, finding meaningful connections between NASA and their hometowns
SSA is a grassroots program which has changed from the original concept of showing 35mm slides in a darkened room to implementing the latest communications technologies
With the addition of TV, radio, print and social media as approved outlets, Solar System Ambassadors’ reach will continue to grow and evolve in the years to come
TV weather anchor, Guillermo Quiroz, with students at a school in Los Angeles, California
*Kay Ferrari, JPL, *Heather Doyle, JPL, June 26, 2018