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 four hours of course work and two 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: 

1. Gain your supervisor's approval.
2. Create a team, participate in an informational webinar, and apply!
3. Complete the 11 hours of pre-work together, including an in-person meetup with your team.  
4. Join the other new teams for Earth to Sky’s Virtual Academy.
5. Join all Earth to Sky regional leaders in your post-work sessions.

Academy Goals

Create a network of Earth to Sky Regional Leaders who will:

1. catalyze, nurture, and sustain a regional community of practice of Earth science communicators;
2. develop and conduct effective ETS-style professional development events in their region; and
3. participate in the ETS Regional Leaders Network to further the mission of ETS.

Apply now on the Earth to Sky website.