Will Explore Technology Careers At Space Agency Field
Centers
Community college students in a pilot program will take the
first steps toward potential technology careers as they develop
robotic explorers at NASA field centers. Ninety students from
community colleges in 23 states have been selected to travel to
NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston or the Marshall Space Flight
Center in Huntsville, AL, for hands on experience with technology
development and direct interaction with NASA experts.
The White House Summit on Community Colleges held last week
explored how these institutions can support a highly educated and
skilled workforce. At the same time, NASA is preparing for the
culmination of the National Community College Aerospace Scholars
pilot program. The agency will bring young scholars to join agency
professionals October 20-22 to develop rovers to explore the
surfaces of other worlds and learn more about actual careers in
science and engineering.
During the summer, students enrolled in the program completed
four Web-based assignments that explored topics in engineering and
technology. Those whose grades on the projects averaged at least 94
percent qualified to participate in the NASA field center
experience, with the agency paying students' travel expenses.
Students will apply what they have learned during the year to
technology and design problems in consultation with NASA
engineers.
"Community colleges are an important part of the academic
landscape, and NASA is proud to be working with these students to
continue their interest and skills in science, technology,
engineering and mathematics," said NASA Administrator Charles
Bolden. "This innovative project gets students engaged in actual
engineering design and production -- from concept to build-out --
that simulates the processes NASA uses in designing robotic
explorers for solar system destinations. By letting them experience
first-hand the challenges and excitement inherent in space
exploration, we may be cultivating NASA's workforce of
tomorrow."
While at the NASA centers, participants will form teams to
establish Mars exploration "companies." Each team will develop a
prototype rover, design a line drawing of their vehicle, and form a
company infrastructure, including a budget and communications plan.
The students also will tour center facilities and attend
presentations by astronauts and other NASA technology experts about
their work and careers.
"NASA is very proud of the outstanding work these students
already have completed, and we look forward to seeing their rover
designs," said Deborah Hutchings, the program manager at Johnson.
"These students have a unique opportunity to preview how a career
in science, technology, engineering or math can lead them on a
journey of space exploration."
The National Community College Aerospace Scholars pilot program
is based on the Texas Aerospace Scholars program. Both programs are
designed to encourage community and junior college students to
enter careers in science and engineering and join the nation's high
technology workforce.
With this program, NASA continues the agency's investment in the
nation's students with a goal of attracting them to the science,
technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines critical to
NASA's future missions.