NASA Award

NASA holds an annual essay competition open to members and/or dependents of current NASA members. Each year, NASA offers up to four awards totalling $2,500 to post-secondary students studying at an accredited Canadian institution and two awards totalling $500 to high school students.

This year's post-secondary student essay topic is:

Many universities, governments, and employers are reconsidering or restructuring Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives, with some replacing EDI frameworks with approaches focused on Access, Community, and Belonging (ACB) or similar concepts.

• Discuss the implications of these changes for workers, students, and unions. What are the potential benefits and/or drawbacks of such changes? 
• What factors may motivate institutions to transition away from EDI frameworks? 
• Should unions actively defend and advance EDI principles, or should such matters remain outside their primary role? Support your arguments with current examples. 

This year's high school student essay topic is:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation are rapidly changing many workplaces. Some people argue these technologies will improve productivity and create new opportunities, while others worry about job security, working conditions, and fairness.

• Describe and analyze how emerging technologies such as AI may affect workers, jobs, and workplaces.
• What role should unions play as AI increasingly integrates into the workplace?
• Use current examples to support your answer. 

The deadline for entries for the 2026 essay competition is Monday, August 3. The 2026 application forms for post-secondary student entries and high school student entries are below.