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An Information-Sharing Cooperative | Powered by the Altadena Libraries |
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Housing, Financial & Legal Services |
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Federal Disaster Tax Relief Becomes Law for Eaton Fire Survivors |
A bipartisan federal law signed Friday, Sept. 11, will allow qualifying wildfire relief payments, including settlements received by Eaton Fire survivors, to be excluded from federal taxable income regardless of when the payments are received.
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California Disaster Rebuilding Assistance Program Provides New Funding Options for Disaster Survivors |
The Disaster Rebuilding Assistance Program offers financing tools to help reduce the cost of rebuilding, connect homeowners with trusted lenders, and improve loan options for low- to moderate-income households, Gov. Gavin Newsom said.
Announced earlier this year, the program was developed in response to feedback from survivors of the Eaton and Palisades fires, according to the governor. The $100 million program was funded through the state budget.
Newsom also signed legislation targeting smoke remediation and extending mortgage protections for wildfire survivors from 12 months to 24 months. |
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Wildfire Disaster Relief & Recovery Grants
Applications Due: September 30, 2026 |
California-based fire departments, local firefighter associations, federally recognized tribes, and nonprofit organizations planning relief effort projects in Los Angeles and Ventura counties may qualify for these grants.
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Need Help Navigating Recovery? |
Please note: Some Disaster Case Management organizations may not be signing up new survivors due to FEMA withholding $10 million in promised funding for California's Disaster Case Management Program.
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House in a Box: New household essentials for help families rebuid after a disaster
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Financial Assistance: Assistance with relocation, utilities, basic needs, and more
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Assistance with Clothing, food, hygiene products, and miscellaneous supplies
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Mental Health Support & Community Resources
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Schedule your appointment at 888-260-3988 or
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- HPP Cares is helping survivors return home. Whether you are uninsured, underinsured, or fully funded/insured, HPP Cares Rebuild Case Managers are here to guide you every step of the way. Our program is free and designed to help you create a clear plan to return home safely. Call 562-281-8861 or email us at info@hppcares.org. You can also find us at the Collaboratory, 540 W. Woodbury or the Core Hub, 2333 Lake St (above Chase).
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Thanks to the generous support of The Center by Lendistry, Office Of: Office has spots available to bring new families into the Community Rebuilding Response Program to receive pro bono design, planning, and advocacy support. The team works one-on-one with homeowners to answer questions, understand available resources, and identify the best pathway for rebuilding. In partnership with Enterprise Community Partners, they also developed a series of catalogs and guides to help families navigate the rebuilding process more effectively. Please
visit the website, LARebuildHub.org, for these free resources available in both English and Spanish.
If you know people who may be interested in learning more or need support, please send them our participation form, and we will schedule a follow-up call.
- Collective O/R is your expert advocate to help you navigate the rebuild process.
An owner's representative is a construction professional with rebuild expertise that acts on the survivor's behalf. They guide & advocate for survivors in the process of rebuilding their homes - including design, contractor bidding, permitting, budgeting, inspection & more. They work towards your goals, because they are not motivated by their own business interests. You can learn more and fill out an interest form at https://www.collectiveor.org/
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Samaritan’s Purse Rebuild Program Accepting Applications (until Sept. 30) |
Samaritan's Purse rebuild program is accepting applications through September 30, 2026. The program is designed to assist homeowners who lost their primary and only residence in the Eaton Fire in Altadena, CA.
Anyone interested in learning more about the program or applying is welcome to contact us at 833-323-6651. Applicants may also email us at usdisasterrecovery@samaritan.org to express their interest or request additional information.
Our office is available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Applicants do not need to have an assigned case manager to apply. They may contact us directly, and our team will determine whether they meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
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Hope Crisis Response Network:
Rebuilding 100 Altadena homes in 5 years |
Hope Crisis Response Network (HCRN) is rebuilding homes for fire survivors who were uninsured or underinsured at the time of the fire. We will be using a mix of volunteer labor and trade subcontractors to complete these homes. HCRN is a licensed contractor in the State of California and will oversee all work completed on homes and ensure inspections will be passed so that home construction will not be delayed.
Qualifications:
- Must be a homeowner
- Must be their primary residence
- Property Taxes and income taxes must be current
- Must have clear title to the property
- Must provide documentation of amount owed on the property
- Must be able to maintain property insurance and property taxes after completion of the home
- Priority is given to elderly, disabled, veterans, single parent families
- Must plan to live in the house for at least five years
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Rotary Club of Altadena Quarterly Fire Relief Grant Applications Due September 30 |
The Altadena Rotary Fire Relief grants will support community projects that benefit Altadena residents, businesses, services, and charities affected by the Eaton Fire. Applications will be considered and prioritized on the basis of need and impact.
Grant applications must be completed by not-for-profit 501(c) organizations only. Organizations may sponsor projects by individuals, businesses, or units of government. Grant projects must be intended for and completed within the unincorporated area of Altadena.
Grants are available between $500 and $5,000. Matching funds are encouraged but not required. Funding for a purpose that is part of a larger project is acceptable. Grants will be considered on a rolling basis quarterly with deadlines of March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31, 2026.
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Altadena Builds Back Foundation’s New Investment Speeds Up Rebuilding |
The Altadena Builds Back Foundation (ABBF) has announced a $4 million investment in Altadena Land Initiatives Corporation, a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization to help fire survivors as they rebuild. This investment, which funds zero-interest construction gap loans, will support an innovative new model to help fire survivors rebuild and return home.
After the Eaton wildfire, many Altadena homeowners discovered that insurance, if available at all, paired with other financial resources was not enough to cover the full cost of rebuilding. ALI's Gap Rebuild Program helps close that financial shortfall, so families can rebuild now without taking on traditional debt.
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SGV Habitat for Humanity Building in Altadena |
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CalAssist Mortgage Fund Expands Eligibility to Homeowners with Multiple Properties |
We encourage homeowners to apply immediately as funds are limited, and applications
are reviewed in the order received. Applying is free, and funds never have to be repaid.
Apply online today at CalAssistMortgageFund.Org Need help? In-depth, one-on-one assistance with preparing and completing an application is available at 800-501-0019 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. |
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Door of Hope Transitional Housing Program |
Door of Hope is offering transitional housing support for Eaton Fire survivors.
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USHS Eaton Fire Housing Assistance Program |
Union Station Homeless Services is offering financial assistance for households that have been directly impacted by the Eaton Fire. Application available at https://ushs.org/efhap |
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Better Angels Step Fund For Those Facing Eviction |
STEP Fund applications are open for eligible low income residents of Los Angeles County who are facing eviction in the next 30 days due to a recent financial problem. Questions? Email stepfund@betterangels.la or call 310-363-0579. Eligibility and application available https://www.thestepfund.org/ |
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Neighborhood Housing Services of LA County & Restore the Legacy LA Coalition - Wildfire Resources Available |
NHS of LA County and Restore the Legacy LA Coalition (RLA) have programs and resources available for wildfire survivors. As the local Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), we provide technical assistance and financial support to rebuild homes, small businesses, and the community.
- We offer financial counseling, case management and “gap funding” to help you rebuild.
- Grants and affordable loans for interim housing (ADUs, RVs, or tenant rental assistance). Current grants for ADUs are for $15,000.
- Grants and affordable loans for rebuilding or repairing your home up to $250,000.
- Grants for potential new homebuyers for up to $50,000.
- Construction Project Management services, including architects and a network of trusted contractors.
- Mission-driven real estate services for home buyers and sellers
- FREE estate planning for wildfire survivors
- We also provide counseling to apply for the CalAssist Mortgage Program. Book an appointment today or complete an intake form to get started.
Come see us at The Collaboratory, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Need Legal Help with Your FEMA Appeal? |
If you need free legal support to help with your appeal, contact:
- Neighborhood Legal Services (NLSLA): https://nlsla.org/
- Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA): https://lafla.org/ or call 800-399-4529 if you need legal assistance with your FEMA appeal, rental housing issues, or insurance coverage disputes.
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Services, Checklists & Volunteer Opportunities |
Help Keep Altadena Together |
Altagether is recruiting new Neighborhood Captains across Altadena. Captains each support a small part of the community by connecting with neighbors, sharing useful information and resources, and helping people stay connected throughout recovery.
We often have multiple volunteers working together in the same area as co-captains, sharing the responsibility and supporting one another. Altagether provides Captains with tools, information, support, and a network of fellow volunteers.
You don’t need to be a recovery expert or have all the answers. What matters most is that you care about your neighborhood and want to help build a stronger, more connected Altadena.
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10 Tips to Make Sure Your Contractor Measures Up |
- Hire only state-licensed contractors.
- Use the Find My Licensed Contractor feature at www.cslb.ca.gov to locate a licensed contractor in your area.
- Check a contractor's license number online at www.cslb.ca.gov or by calling 800-321-CSLB (2752).
- Get at least three bids and check references.
- Make sure all project expectations are in writing and only sign the contract if you completely understand the terms. (Watch the workshop LAFLA and construction law firm Cox Castle recently hosted on navigating rebuild contracts, contractor negotiations, and homeowner legal protections)
- Confirm that the contractor has workers' compensation insurance for employees.
- Avoid paying more than 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less.* Avoid paying in cash.
- Avoid letting payments get ahead of the work.
- Keep a job file of all papers relating to your project, including all payments.
- Avoid making the final payment until you're satisfied with the job.
*There is an exception to this rule for about a small number of contractors who have filed a blanket performance and payment bond with the Registrar. This information is noted on the contractor's license detail page on CSLB's website.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
All changes to the contract, or "change orders," need to be in writing and signed by both parties.
Homeowners waive their three-day right to cancel (or five-day right to cancel if they're 65 or older) if they sign a service and repair contract, which is different from a standard home improvement contract. (Service and repair contracts are usually for emergency repair work where the consumer initiated the contact.)
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Interested in Indoor Smoke Testing and Remediation? |
As part of CONSORTIUM, nonprofit partner GER3 is testing for interior wildfire-related contaminants at properties in the Eaton and Palisades areas. They will also be offering comprehensive indoor remediation to a few properties enrolled in this testing program. Both programs are offered at no cost to homeowners. Applicants will be prioritized based on need and ability to remediate themselves. If you are interested in being considered, please complete the form here. Spots are limited, please sign up in the next few days to be screened for eligibility. |
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Apply for Home Remediation Assistance |
Fire Poppy Project offers resources for Altadena & Pasadena renters affected by the Eaton Fires
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Reach Out WorldWide Provides Essential Items to Eaton Fire Survivors |
Reach Out WorldWide (in partnership with the American Red Cross) is still actively operating and has relocated to Glendale. We continue to support survivors with a wide range of essential items, including cleaning supplies, toiletries, clothing, shoes, home goods, kitchen and cooking items, textiles, furniture, and other everyday necessities.
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A Sense of Home:
Free Furniture & Housewares for Families and Individuals Displaced by LA Wildfires |
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Altadena Library Offers Passport Services Seven Days a Week |
Experienced bilingual (English/Spanish) agents process applications for new passports, passports that are lost or damaged, passports that expired more than 5 years ago and renewals for minors 7 days a week in Altadena.
- Monday-Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm / By appointment only
@ Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.
- Saturday-Sunday: 9:00am-5:00pm / By appointment or walk-ins welcome
@ Bob Lucas Memorial Library & Literacy Center, 2659 Lincoln Ave.
For more details, including a checklist to prepare for your appointment and pricing, visit AltadenaLibrary.org/passports. Call 626-798-2950 for an appointment. |
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SCE SWITCH Program for Survivors |
SCE's SWITCH program launched August 1, 2026, offering incentives for energy-efficient equipment for households rebuilding or repairing after the wildfires. Who's eligible: SCE customers in the Eaton or Palisades wildfire-impacted areas (current or former service accounts), owner-occupied single-family homes, individually owned multifamily units, and customers rebuilding, repairing, or installing eligible energy-efficient equipment on or after August 1, 2026. Important: purchases made before August 1, 2026, are not eligible, and approved reservations are valid for 365 days. Where to go: Email SWITCH@sce.com with questions or visit https://energized.edison.com/disaster-recovery/simplified-wildfire-incentives-for-transforming-customer-homes to get started. |
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Small Businesses & Commercial Property Owners Can Enroll in Altadena Commercial Concierge Program |
Small businesses and commercial property owners in Altadena can now enroll in the Altadena Commercial Concierge Program. Get hands-on help securing required permits and licenses, one-on-one technical assistance, and access to essential resources to expedite your recovery and growth. To learn more, visit https://opportunity.lacounty.gov/AltadenaCommercialRecovery/ |
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Become a Tree Steward for Altadena |
Altadena WILD, along with Altadena Green, the CSUN Urban Forestry Project, and Outward Bound Adventures, is launching phase two of the ReGreen Altadena initiative. Building off the success of the initial tree give-away in fall 2025, we are laying the groundwork for a long-term program of educational workshops coupled with tree-giveways. Those who become Altadena Tree Stewards will receive trees and make a commitment to nurturing them into maturity by attending a workshop on tree selection and another on tree planting and care. Workshops will begin early this summer 2026 and tree give-aways will be held this fall through early spring 2027, and continue in subsequent years during the same time period.
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ASRF Soil Consultant
Every Friday • 1-3pm
Core Hub, 2333 Lake Ave. #2A |
Walk-in and ask a Soil Expert about the heavy metals in your soils. Get a second opinion about your soil test results; they likely are above lower health risk screening thresholds.
See if you qualify for soil treatment assistance. No appointment necessary. |
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ASRF Soil Clinic
First Saturday of Every Month, 10am-12pm
Location will be sent to attendees |
This Soil Clinic is hosted by 301 Organics to support the Altadena Soils Relief Fund (ASRF), a sponsored project of Charity On Top, a Pasadena based 501(c)(3) non-profit and fiscal sponsor. The ASRF's purpose is to offer Eaton Fire survivors and others interested in soil health an opportunity to learn how to make healthy soil through the composting process. We are committed to helping the community understand their soils, what they can do to protect themselves from on-going reports of soil contamination while advancing the rebuild effort in a safe and sound way. Register here. |
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Altadena Talks "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" Lot Clearing Program |
Altadena Talks Foundation and Altagether are providing assistance with weed clearing on lots. Scan the QR codes or click below to:
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Free Therapy for Eaton Fire Survivors Through 5 EFC Partner Organizations |
Free therapy for Eaton Fire survivors is available through five partner organizations, in person and remote, with services in multiple languages.
- Foothill Family — 10 sessions | (626) 993-3000 (ask for the Eaton Bloom Program)
- ICNA Relief / Crescent Counseling — 12 sessions | (713) 399-4571 opt.
- One Generation — 12 sessions | (818) 705-2345 ext. 939
- Didi Hirsch — 6 sessions | (424) 362-2935
- Maple Counseling — 6 sessions, sliding scale after | (310) 271-9999
In crisis? Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or text HOMEto 741-741 for the Crisis Text Line. Both are free, confidential, and available 24/7. |
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BuildNotes.LA – Wholesale Marketplace for Wildfire Rebuild |
BuildNotes.LA is a wholesale marketplace helping LA wildfire survivors access building materials at more transparent, wholesale prices.
If you're purchasing materials after signing your construction contract, consider adding an allowances section to your contract so any savings on materials are passed on to you—not kept by the builder. https://www.buildnotes.la/ |
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United Policyholders Past Webinar Recordings |
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Surveys & Share Your Story |
After the fire, did your insurance company help you or hurt you? |
Eaton and Palisades fire survivors, in partnership with a UCLA research team, are building the nation’s first public record of how insurers treated us: who paid, delayed, denied or underpaid. Every experience matters, including if your insurer did right by you. Your identity stays private. The patterns become public. Those patterns can drive investigations, enforcement, litigation, journalism and insurance reform.
1,100+ survivors have contributed. Takes 15 minutes. Available in English, Spanish, Chinese and Korean.
Take the survey now so your experience counts when your insurer is measured. FireSurvey.org |
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Los Angeles Fires Research Study |
Participate in a research study about how the LA fires affected school communities and help strengthen support for students, families, and educators after disasters.
We are looking for parents/caregivers, educators, and students (ages 14–17) at LA County public schools to participate in a 90-minute virtual focus group about their experiences following the fires.
if eligible, you'll be invited to join a 90-minute virtual focus group on Zoom with other parents/caregivers, educators, or students. We'll ask about your experiences during and after the fires, the emotional support available through schools and communities, and what kinds of support would be helpful in the future. Participants receive a $50 Visa gift card as a thank-you for their time.
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Help Create a Grocery Store That Works for Every Neighbor
Take Our Survey and Help Decide What We Create Together! |
Together, we can create a community-owned grocery store for Altadena, Lincoln Village and NW Pasadena. Altadena Food Coop, in partnership with Altadena Farmers Market and New Economics for Women.
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What projects do you want to see funded in Altadena? |
The Altadena People's Plan wants to hear from you! Whether you want to see support for for housing, parks, culture, infrastructure, or business support, your answers will go directly to funders and officials supporting and facilitating rebuild and recovery.
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Community Women Vital Voices Presents:
The Black Legacy Voice Echoes Our Truth
- Our Lens, Our Legacy, Our Story - Pasadena/Altadena Community |
Let us capture the history of our Black community. Our story, told by us. We welcome everyone's participation.
Academic Partnership - UCLA cityLAB | Dr. Yang Yang | Dr. Dana Cuff
Director - Lena Louise Kennedy
If you are interested in participating, fill out this form.
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Caltech Affect Lab: Paid Neuroimaging Study for Young Adults |
We are recruiting local participants for a paid neuroimaging study on social connection and AI.
The study takes place at Caltech and involves:
- A 15-minute online survey
- One in-person MRI session lasting approximately 2.5 hours at Caltech
- A 20-minute online follow-up task
Participants are compensated $30 per hour, plus a performance-based bonus of up to $20. Transportation costs up to $20 will also be reimbursed.
We are currently looking for participants who:
- Are 18–25 years old
- Are fluent in English
- Can touch-type comfortably without looking at the keyboard for extended periods of time, at approximately 50 words per minute or faster
- Have no neurological disorders
- Have no uncorrected visual or hearing impairments or colorblindness
- Have no MRI contraindications (such as certain metal implants, pacemakers, pregnancy, or severe claustrophobia)
Interested individuals can learn more and complete our eligibility screener here: https://social-connection-study-scan.fly.dev/ |
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Standing-Home Survivors Needed for National Science Foundation-Funded Recovery Study |
Researchers from Tufts University, Purdue University, and UCLA will be interviewing Eaton and Palisades fire survivors with standing homes about their experiences with environmental sampling, testing, and remediation. The National Science Foundation-funded study is intended to document recovery challenges and help create resources for affected residents. Support this effort by signing up to relay your experience for this study in person or virtually.
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Community Resilience Survey for Altadena & Pasadena Residents and Small Business Owners |
ABC is working with local organizations to support residents and small businesses in Altadena and Pasadena affected by recent wildfires. Your experiences are vital to helping us understand what the community needs to recover and build resilience for the future.
This survey is completely voluntary and should take about 5-10 minutes to complete. Your responses will be kept confidential and will only be used to guide recovery efforts and access public funding for our community.
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Exciting Opportunity for Schools/Students in Grades 6th-12th - NASA TechRise Student Challenge |
Are you ready for this year’s NASA TechRise Student Challenge? This competition provides a hands-on opportunity for participants to gain critical skills in engineering, computing, electronics, and more that will be required for America’s technical workforce. If you are in sixth to 12th-grade at a U.S. public, private, or charter school – including those in U.S. territories – your challenge is to team up with your schoolmates and develop a science or technology experiment idea for for the following NASA TechRise flight vehicle:
- High-Altitude Balloon with approximately 4 to 8 hours of flight time at 70,000 to 95,000 feet and exposure to Earth’s upper atmosphere, radiation, and perspective views of our planet.
A total of 60 winning teams will be selected to build their proposed experiment. Each winning team will be awarded:
- $1,500 to build their experiment
- A starter kit, including a flight box in which to build their experiment
- An assigned spot to test their experiment on a NASA-sponsored flight
- Virtual mentoring and technical support during the experiment build phase from Future Engineers advisors, who will help students learn the skills they need to turn their experiment idea into reality
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EVENTS
