NASA / Earth to Sky Academy created in Your Name in Landsat
Applications Now Open!
NASA’s Earth to Sky Academy is a train-the-trainer style course for teams of regional leaders who want to elevate Earth science and climate literacy in their region. After attending the Academy, each regional team will develop at least two Earth to Sky courses (the first within one year of the academy) for their peers, such as interpreters and informal educators, focused on the latest NASA science and the most effective interpretation and education techniques.
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.
Earth to Sky’s Virtual Academy
When: From March 11 - April 15, 2026, every Wednesday for 4 hours of course work and 2 hours of teamwork.
Where: Online every Wednesday for six weeks (there will be pre-work and post-work as well).
Why: Interpreters and informal educators in your region need training on science communication, and you feel ready to be part of a team that will provide that training.
Who: Your team should include 3-5 experienced leaders from your area spanning a range of skillsets such as interpretation, education, training, and science.
Cost: Free.
How:
- Gain your supervisor's approval.
- Create a team, participate in an informational webinar, and apply!
- Complete the 11 hours of pre-work together, including an in-person meetup with your team.
- Join the other new teams for Earth to Sky’s Virtual Academy.
- Join all Earth to Sky regional leaders in your post-work sessions.
The purpose of the Academy is to train Regional Leaders who will conduct regional Earth to Sky (ETS) courses and nurture their own Earth to Sky Regional Community of Practice. Academy content is based on over 20 years of experience and extensive evaluation of the ETS model. Participants will be supported every step of the way, before, during, and after the course.
Existing teams which have reformed with new members may re-apply to attend the Academy. This may be desirable if the team has significant turnover or new goals which could be catalyzed by returning to the Academy.
Academy Goals
Create a network of Earth to Sky Regional Leaders who will:
- Catalyze, nurture, and sustain a regional community of practice of Earth science communicators.
- Develop and conduct effective ETS-style professional development events in their region.
- Participate in the ETS Regional Leaders Network to further the mission of ETS.
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Team members connect one on one with NASA Scientists |
Dr Kate Marvel speaks to attendees of the 2024 Academy |
Team members view a Landsat image during the Academy |
Learn more
An informational webinar will be held on January 7th, 2026 at 3 pm ET / 12 pm PT.
Register for the Earth to Sky Virtual Academy informational webinar. After the webinar, a link to the recording will be posted here. Each applicant on a team must view our informational webinar.
Read answers to questions addressed in this webinar and others: 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
***Applications are due by January 31st of 2026***
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 Science in Your Pocket mini-webinars.
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.