NASA has chosen Contra Costa College as the only Northern California campus for its National Community College Aerospace Scholar program!
CCC aims to recruit a cohort of about 60 CCC students who are seeking degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math and want to participate in an authentic NASA learning experience.
“We are so excited to be able to give our students this opportunity to learn directly from NASA,” says Dean of Natural, Social and Applied Sciences Rene Sporer. “Particularly about how the skills and talents they build at CCC can be put to work in exciting and fulfilling STEM careers.”
“Contra Costa College students have the opportunity of a lifetime to participate in the NASA National Community College Aerospace Scholar Program,” added Acting President Dr. Kimberly Rogers. “With our talented STEM faculty and brand-new science building, the next generation of aerospace engineers, mathematicians… and actual rocket scientists may be in our own community.”
In the program’s first mission, students will get a closer look at NASA’s unique missions and research through a five-week self-paced learning experience. They will have instructor and program support both on campus and online as they develop their talents, interests and passion for future STEM careers.
Scholars who successfully complete the first mission will then move on to the second mission, an engineering design experience and challenge. This mission will intensify its focus on connecting STEM careers to NASA’s mission and work. It will also include resume feedback and guidance on navigating potential NASA internships.
Some students will be further selected for a third and final mission, which involves job shadowing a NASA professional.
Recruitment for the program will begin in the coming weeks.