Frequently Asked Questions
Application Process (8)
Complete instructions to apply to BLAST are located on the Application Instructions page.
Yes, all applicants must be residents of Virginia.
All students who apply to BLAST should currently be in the 8th or 9th grade, which means by the beginning of the 2018-2019 school year they will be rising freshmen or sophomores. http://www.blast.spacegrant.org/about
If you have a copy of a document that is not in an electronic format, you will need to scan and save the document. With some operating systems, you can save that file as (Save As) a .PDF file. If you do not have that capability, there are several free online programs to allow you to convert the file to a .PDF document. Your school guidance office or computer lab should have a scanner that you may use. Another option is to go to your local library or an office supply store, and they usually offer scanning services for a small fee. If you have problems, ask your teacher or school office for help.
http://www.blast.spacegrant.org/students/instructions
An email will be sent to the student's email confirming the student's application is complete.
An email will be sent to the teacher as well as the student indicating they recommendation has been submitted. It is the students' responsibility to follow-up with the teacher or counselor to make sure the recommendation is submitted by the required date.
You may contact the BLAST program using the following email if you do not receive correspondence by the end of March: blast@spacegrant.org
Official notification will be sent via email by the end of March. You will also receive an official letter after the email to be used for your records. If you have not received nay correspondence by April, please contact us at blast@spacegrant.org.
General Information (3)
Just bring your medication with you during the day and please let us know about your requirement on your Medical Release Form that will be sent to you. If you have medicine that needs refrigeration and you must take it during the day, we can make arrangements as long as we know ahead of time.Please note that BLAST staff cannot dispense medication.
Students must complete and submit the online application, provide letter of recommendation, contact information for a teacher or guidance counselor, meet grade criteria, and complete an essay as the application requires. Geographic and demographic diversity are taken into consideration as well as students who have not had previous access to STEM enrichment experiences. Previous BLAST participants are not eligible to apply.
Students will be housed at a university dormitory and will share a room with another student. All meals will be provided, and you will be chaperoned at all times by licensed Virginia teachers.
