Last week, NIHERST launched the T&T component of the NASA International Internship Programme. This programme allows non�US students, both undergraduate and postgraduate, to work at a NASA facility with their US counterparts.
The rationale for the programme is the promotion of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education, both in the USA and internationally. The USA, long a leader in exploiting science and technology for commercial and military purposes, is placing a lot of emphasis on STEM education to ensure it maintains its predominant position. The progress of students from the Far Eastern countries has been given this thrust a greater sense of urgency.
T&T, through NIHERST, was the first country to be allowed this facility. The only other country in the programme is Mexico, through its Agencia Espacial Mexicana. The NASA-NIHERST agreement was signed in 2012 and is about to take off. NIHERST will shortlist applicants but the final selection will be done by NASA. It expected that three students will be given internships.
http://www.guardian.co.tt/digital/new-members