LiftOff Online Application Requirements

To submit an application for LiftOff 2026, you must complete the online application instructions.

  • If you are currently a 5-12 grade STEM educator, CTE instructor, or pre-service teacher and have never attended LiftOff Summer Institute before – APPLY HERE
  • If you have attended LiftOff Summer Institute (LiftOff Alumni) – APPLY HERE

Instructions for the online application

Be prepared to answer the following short answer questions

ALL APPLICANTS

    1. What is your formal education and teaching experience? (Degree, Years Taught, etc.)
    2. What is your current assignment? (Describe job responsibilities and other related duties)
    3. List professional activities (In-service participation, membership in professional organizations, # workshops taught and audience)
    4. Other teacher-related activities. (Educational outreach activities in the community, youth programs, etc.)

If you are a pre-service teacher – in 100 words minimum, 500 maximum:

    1. What is your current major? Why did you choose it?
    2. What attracted you to the education field? What are your career goals?
    3. What are some ways you would incorporate space science materials into your classroom?
    4. How would you share the information you receive with fellow pre-service educators?
    5. Why would you like to be selected for the LiftOff Summer Institute?

If you are an educator that has never attended LiftOff Summer Institute before – in 100 words minimum, 500 maximum:

    1. What are some ways you would incorporate space science materials into your classroom?
    2. How would you share the information you receive with fellow educators?
    3. Why would you like to be selected for the LiftOff Summer Institute?

If you are a LiftOff Alumni – in 100 words minimum, 500 maximum:

    1. How have you used the LiftOff information, lessons, and resources with students?
    2. In what ways have you shared the LiftOff information with fellow educators?
    3. How has the LiftOff Summer Institute helped you as a teacher?
    4. Why would you like to be selected to return for the LiftOff Summer Institute?

2. Complete the online application

3. Upload a 3-5 minute introduction video

As part of your LiftOff application, we ask for a short video introduction. This is just a chance for us to get to know you in whatever way feels comfortable.

You can simply talk to the camera, show us around your classroom, narrate over photos, or even keep your face off-camera if you prefer. We’re looking for authenticity, not perfection.

Some ideas:

  • Walk us through your classroom or a favorite student project
  • Tell us why you’re excited about space, STEM, or joining LiftOff
  • Share a fun teaching moment or what inspires your students

Keep it casual (1–3 minutes is great) — we’re not judging video quality or editing skills. Just be yourself!

Here are some sample videos:

Upload Your Video