Are you passionate about NASA missions, technology, innovation, event planning, and community building? Do you want to help develop the largest annual global hackathon alongside the NASA Space Apps Global Organizing (GO) Team? If so, then join us as a NASA Space Apps Local Lead this year!
What is a NASA Space Apps Local Lead?
Local Leads organize an in person or virtual Local Event for a specific city or town to participate in the NASA International Space Apps Challenge. On October 5-6, 2024, participants from around the world will create teams and projects with access to free and open NASA and Space Agency Partner data and expertise. Local Leads are important in encouraging and expanding collaboration, innovation, and positive global problem-solving for the NASA Space Apps Challenge.
“We have given new inspiration to our schools, especially the secondary schools and universities, that participated in the NASA Space Apps Challenge. We have given a new pathway to create an innovative approach to problem solving in our community.” - Abdulkadir Nuhu, Kano, Nigeria Local Lead
Becoming a NASA Space Apps Local Lead
Each year, Local Leads are approved on an individual basis, and only one Local Lead is approved per city or town. Once approved, Local Leads are invited to attend Global Planning Calls with hundreds of other Local Leads. During these training calls, you’ll learn everything you need to know about hosting a successful NASA Space Apps Local Event in your city or town. You’ll also be able to network, design, and create inclusive and accessible events alongside your community of Local Leads located in different cities worldwide!
By championing NASA Space Apps in your local area, you'll attract a variety of participants, from coders and scientists to artists and storytellers. You'll inspire and connect with like-minded individuals, nurturing a culture of exploration and creativity while supporting participants throughout their hackathon journey.
Being a Local Lead isn't just about organizing an event; it's about being a part of something bigger. You get the opportunity to join a global community that embraces collaboration across borders, sectors, and cultures. You’ll also get to grow and strengthen your event planning and community building skills.
Qualities of a Local Lead:
- Passionate about designing collaborative and fun events
- Patient, understanding, and welcoming with participants from all backgrounds in their hackathon journeys
- Inclusive and can implement accessibility best practices as they plan their events, workshops, and trainings
- Proactive problem solving skills
- Clear and effective communicator
Responsibilities of a Local Lead:
- Plan and host a virtual or in person Local Event that is engaging and accessible to all people
- Recruit and support participants, local collaborators, local judges, and a local organizing team
- Teach or coordinate workshops to encourage participants to learn new skills and meet one another before or during the hackathon
- Nominate top projects for judging at the global level
- Adhere to all terms and conditions of NASA Space Apps referencing guidance, trainings, and resources
NASA Space Apps Local Lead Learning Opportunities
Local Leads have the unique opportunity to learn with and from other NASA communities and initiatives that can help them grow professionally and empower them to become thought leaders in their city's tech, innovation, and creative communities. With the support of NASA’s free and open data and resources, Local Leads can help foster a culture of knowledge and creativity that resonates throughout their communities.
Emran Billah, a Local Lead from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and the Director of Software Engineering at Spiri Robotics, explored learning opportunities with NASA’s Transform to Open Science 101 course, sharing, “The course was particularly enriching for me due to its comprehensive coverage of environmental data resources, including climatic water quality data. I envision leveraging various air quality datasets to develop predictive models. These models will optimize drone routes based on factors like air density and friction forces… I gained insights into project publication platforms like Zenodo, which I intend to utilize for future publications. This will enable me to effectively disseminate and maintain versions of my software creations in a polished and professional manner.”
Interested in learning more about NASA’s Transform to Open Science? Enroll in their Open Science 101 course to earn a NASA open science badge and showcase your skills.
Apply Today!
Don't miss this incredible opportunity to make a difference, empower your community, and contribute to advancing innovation and building inclusive communities as a NASA Space Apps Local Lead. Learn more and apply today! The deadline to apply to be a Local Lead is June 15th, 2024.
Connect with #SpaceApps!
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Facebook: @spaceappschallenge
YouTube: @NASASpaceAppsChallenge