STARS: Science, Technology, and Rural Students is a NASA-funded distance learning project made possible thanks to the leadership and advocacy of Oregon Senators Gordon Smith and Ron Wyden, and the strong support of the Oregon House Delegation. Through the program, participating libraries offer rich community connections, while OMSI delivers hands-on training programs to teachers throughout the counties of rural Oregon, including trunkloads of fun science activities and curriculum such as the Expedition Northwest. Additional OMSI science specialists support the presentations through interactive videoconferencing from our distance learning studio at the museum.

The STARS program also helps bring OMSI's dynamic Outreach programs to communities in rural Oregon and supports a cadre of rural volunteer teachers and librarians. In addition, OMSI uses a variety of innovative e-tools including a distance learning website, DVDs, live satellite broadcasts, digital labs, and regular email blasts to build extensive relationships and bring a world of rich science opportunities to rural Oregon teachers and students.

In the first year of the program (2004-2005), OMSI delivered hands-on training to 13 counties and 140 teachers. We're pleased to continue the program in 2005-06. As we expand our teacher workshops to additional rural communities, we'll also be offering innovative family programs at libraries to give rural Oregonians a chance to sample the excitement that is available at the museum in Portland.