This project is seamlessly integrating telescopes equipped with remote access and control capabilities into one virtual observatory. Building on the current Telescopes in Education (TIE) effort that involves some twenty such telescopes, Virtual TIE is providing the services required to operate this facility, including a scheduling service, tools for data manipulation, an online proposal review environment, an online "Virtual TIE Student Astrophysical Journal" for publication of results, and access to related educational materials provided by the TIE community. This effort leverages ongoing projects of the collaborators to increase access to astronomy education at the K-12 and undergraduate levels, especially among traditionally under-served communities. Results of this effort are also being used to enhance ongoing educational efforts in astronomy and computer science. This project represents a collaborative effort among the University of Maryland Baltimore County, Tennessee State University, the Telescopes in Education Foundation, Raytheon ITSS, and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Other partners include the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Rochester Institute of Technology, and TIE project affiliates at Little Thompson Observatory and Howard University.
