GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) - A worldwide hands-on, primary and secondary school-based science and education program.

Volunteers with Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) collect percipitation data across the nation.

The National VISIT - The primary mission of the Virtual Institute for Satellite Integration Training (VISIT) is to accelerate the transfer of research results based on atmospheric remote sensing data into NWS operations. This transfer is accomplished through the education of NWS forecasters on the latest techniques to integrate remote sensing data, especially from satellite and radar. The education approach is based primarily on the use of distance education techniques (WEB-based, teletraining, computer-based modules) that rely on an expert being available at the local forecast offices (the Science Operations Officer (SOO) and a satellite/radar focal point). The strength of the VISIT teletraining approach is its ability to bring the instructor directly to the forecast office. This is done through the VISITview software. Most sessions developed under the VISIT program are stand-alone modules.

Satellite Hydrology and Meteorology (SHyMet) - A comprehensive Satellite Hydrology and Meteorology (SHyMet) Course is being developed to pull together existing, new, and updated satellite training materials into a structured course. The course will cover basic principles of satellite imaging and sounding, channels and products, identification of atmospheric and surface phenomena, and the integration of meteorological analysis with satellite observations and products into the weather forecasting and warning process. It will also include advanced topics on identification of atmospheric and surface phenomena with associated case examples. The SHyMet Intern Course is currently being offered. Look for the next installment of SHyMet in Spring 2009.

The United States is a member of the World Meteorological Organization. An important goal of the WMO Space Programme is to promote the capacity of WMO Members to make wide and meaningful use of satellite data and products, with particular attention being paid to the needs of less advanced countries. A key component of the Strategy for Education and Training in Satellite Meteorology as adopted by the Executive Council, is the concept of the Virtual Laboratory for training in Satellite Meteorology (VL) and the network of regional satellite training Centres of Excellence (CoE). Below we highlight CIRA's involvement in these programs as the RMTCoE and WMOVL.

Regional Meteorological Training Centers of Excellence (RMTCoE) - CIRA in cooperation with NOAA collaborates with Regional Meteorological Training Centers of Excellence (RMTCoE) which have been designated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). CIRA/NOAA now collaborates with 4 RMTCoEs located in Costa Rica, Barbados, Argentina, and Brazil. Activities with these RMTCoEs over the past year have focused on providing support to monthly weather/satellite briefings carried out via the internet. It has become a relatively easy and inexpensive way to simultaneously connect people from as many as 24 different countries, view satellite imagery, and share information on global, regional, and local weather patterns, hurricanes, severe weather, flooding, and even volcanic eruptions. Forecasters and researchers are able to "build capacity" by being able to readily communicate with others in their discipline from different countries and discuss the impacts of their forecasts. We utilize the VISITview tool developed under the VISIT program. We also provide support to other training activities.

World Meteorological Organization's Virtual Lab (WMOVL) - The Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites of the World Meteorological Organization recognize that there are many satellite resources and products that would benefit forecasters, researchers and others. Much of this information has been organized into an on-line resource. CIRA hosts one of the resource sites.

Volunteers with Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) collect percipitation data across the nation.