NASA Highlights Engagement with Underrepresented Students at 2024 National HBCU Week Conference

NASA is set to showcase its efforts to engage underrepresented and underserved students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) during the 2024 National Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week Conference. The event will take place in Philadelphia from Sunday, September 15, to Thursday, September 19.

White House Initiative and NASA’s MUREP Program

In alignment with the White House’s initiative to promote educational equity and economic opportunities via HBCUs, NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) provides HBCU scholars access to NASA’s vast array of technology, networks, training, resources, and partners. At the conference, NASA will organize a MUREP Innovation and Tech Transfer Idea Competition (MITTIC), which includes a hackathon aimed at inspiring students to develop creative and innovative solutions that benefit humanity.

“NASA’s MUREP is delighted to continue our collaboration with the White House initiative on HBCUs to elevate students’ learning experience,” stated Keya Briscoe, the manager of MUREP at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “We are enthusiastic about the fresh insights and innovative solutions that the scholars will develop at the MITTIC hackathon, which provides an opportunity to showcase the depth and breadth of their academic and professional excellence.”

Focus of the MITTIC HBCU Hackathon

The MITTIC HBCU Hackathon focuses on utilizing NASA technologies to tackle various challenges faced by HBCU campuses. Students will form teams and use NASA technology to address a chosen challenge. Each team will then present their concepts to a panel of subject matter experts.

The winning team will receive a cash prize sponsored by JP Morgan Chase (JPMC) through its Chief Technology Office, Career and Skills Development Office, and Advancing Black Pathways Group. Teams that do not win will still have the opportunity to submit their proposals to the fall or spring MITTIC Space2Pitch Competitions at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Inclusion and Engagement Opportunities

To further NASA’s mission of promoting engagement and inclusion, scholars will have the opportunity to explore NASA exhibits and learn about various career paths within the agency. Additionally, they will view “The Color of Space,” a film that highlights the stories of seven current and former Black astronauts.

Through the HBCU Scholar Recognition Program, the White House Initiative annually honors students from HBCUs for their achievements in academics, leadership, and civic engagement. Over the academic year, HBCU scholars engage in professional development through monthly classes and gain access to a network of public and private partners.

“NASA’s unwavering commitment to provide our nation’s HBCUs with opportunities to participate in the space enterprise is invaluable to our institutions and our nation,” said Dietra Trent, executive director of the White House Initiative on HBCUs. “The initiative proudly salutes NASA for their relentless support, and we look forward to having them again as a valued partner for the 2024 HBCU Week Conference and HBCU Scholar Recognition Program. By fostering innovation and expanding opportunities in STEM, NASA is empowering the next generation of diverse leaders to reach for the stars and beyond.”

Opportunities for HBCU Scholars

Through partnerships with NASA, community-based organizations, and other public and private entities, HBCU scholars have numerous opportunities to maximize their educational and career potentials.

Additional Information

For more information about NASA and its programs, visit the official NASA website at:

https://www.nasa.gov

Understanding Key Terms

For those unfamiliar with some of the technical jargon, here are simple explanations:

– **STEM**: An acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These fields are essential for technological advancement and innovation.
– **Hackathon**: An event where individuals or teams work intensively on a project, often involving software development or problem-solving, within a specified timeframe.
– **Innovation**: The process of coming up with new ideas, methods, or products.
– **Tech Transfer**: The process of transferring technology from one organization or place to another, often from research institutions to commercial companies.
– **NASA Exhibits**: Displays or presentations that provide information about NASA’s work, missions, and career opportunities.

Good to Know

NASA’s involvement with HBCUs is not just about competition and prizes; it’s about creating long-term opportunities for students. By participating in these programs, students gain invaluable experience, networking opportunities, and the chance to work on real-world problems using cutting-edge technology.

The HBCU Scholar Recognition Program is another significant initiative that helps students develop professionally. This program not only acknowledges their achievements but also provides them with resources to grow further in their careers.

By collaborating with organizations like JP Morgan Chase, NASA ensures that these programs are well-supported and have a broader impact. The involvement of such partners also highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing educational and economic opportunities.

In conclusion, NASA’s participation in the 2024 National HBCU Week Conference underscores its commitment to diversity and inclusion. By providing resources, opportunities, and platforms for underrepresented students, NASA is helping to pave the way for the next generation of innovators and leaders in STEM fields. This initiative not only benefits the students but also contributes to the broader goal of fostering innovation and excellence in science and technology.
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