Host a 2025 NASA Space Apps Local Event!
Become a NASA Space Apps Local Lead and inspire innovation and problem solving in your community
NASA Space Apps Local Leads host NASA Space Apps Challenge Local Events. They are leaders of their local space and science communities who bring problem solvers and innovative thinkers together to solve real challenges on Earth and space! The 2024 Local Lead Application is now closed. Please fill out the 2025 Local Lead Interest Form to be notified when applications open on February 13, 2025
WHAT’S A LOCAL LEAD?
Local Leads play a critical role in the success of each year’s NASA International Space Apps Challenge by hosting Local Events. Local Leads are responsible for participant recruitment, event planning, and coordination. As a Local Lead, you will also coordinate local sponsors, speakers, and community collaborations. The NASA Space Apps Global Organizing (GO) Team guides Local Leads through the hackathon preparation process and will provide you the information and support you need to succeed.
LOCAL LEAD EXPECTATIONS
Local Leads are approved on an individual basis and only one Local Lead is approved per location. Once approved, Local Leads must attend NASA Space Apps Challenge virtual trainings with hundreds of other Local Leads around the world. These virtual trainings create an environment for Local Leads to learn new skills, network, and design their events.
WHY BECOME A LOCAL LEAD?
Local Leads gain unique skills while supporting the NASA Space Apps Challenge in their communities. They have the opportunity to work directly with the NASA Space Apps GO Team, interact with NASA Subject Matters Experts, and network with a diverse, global community of like-minded Earth and space science enthusiasts and problem-solvers.
SERVE ALONGSIDE NASA
Join the NASA Space Apps Global Community and work alongside NASA and its Space Agency Partners by becoming a Local Lead. The NASA Space Apps GO Team supports Local Leads and participants in 160+ countries and territories.
BE A CHAMPION FOR THE NASA SPACE APPS CHALLENGE
As a Local Lead, you become a champion of the NASA Space Apps Challenge by recruiting members of your local community to participate in the annual hackathon.
GROW IN YOUR FIELD
Immerse yourself in the variety of disciplines represented in the NASA Space Apps Challenge and serve as a thought leader in your city’s space, tech, innovation, and creative communities.
SUPPORT PARTICIPANTS
Local Leads facilitate a positive experience for all local hackathon participants and are responsible for working with Local Judges to nominate the top projects for Global Judging.
LOCAL LEAD RESPONSIBILITIES
- Coordinate the logistics for their Local Event from their own network or resources, including venue, food, supplies, giveaways, and prizes.
- Recruit supporting Local Organizing Team Members - each Local Lead is responsible for recruiting and delegating work to needed personnel to run their Local Event.
- Follow NASA International Space Apps Challenge branding guidelines.
- Recruit Local Collaborators, such as local universities, business, corporations or other supporters to help fund or enrich the Local Event.
- Recruit participants from their community to join the Local Event.
- Support participants through their entire hackathon journey and encourage project submission to the NASA Space Apps Challenge website.
- Recruit Local Judges and complete the Local Judging process.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
If you are interested in bringing a Space Apps Challenge Local Event to your community, we encourage you to apply to be a Local Lead!