PALM DESERT —College of the Desert is one of 11 community colleges nationwide to receive money as part of NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP), NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars announced.

“College of the Desert participated in a pilot program last summer and our students and faculty benefited immensely from the experience,” Professor Jorge Pérez said in a news  release. “The program opens doors for two-year community college students seeking a STEM degree. They get a closer look at NASA’s unique missions and research and learn how to develop their talents, interests and passion to become future STEM professionals. They also get to see themselves as part of NASA”.

College of the Desert will receive $50,000 over the next four years to increase diversity and inclusion in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields by implementing NASA’s evidence-based NCAS model on its campus.

The program engages National Aeronautics and Space Administration in missions and research through a blended learning experience of online research and activities and powerful connections to NASA-affiliated research labs, museums, industry partners and National Aeronautics and Space Administration internships.

College of the Desert student Kyle Maerean, who participated last summer in the pilot program said, “I am extremely appreciative to be a part of something like this; I never would have imagined I could work with NASA this early. It’s kind of unreal.”

 

Photo caption above: College of the Desert students participated in a National Aeronautics and Space Administration on-campus event as part of the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars activity pilot in August 2019.

 

 

 

Image Sources

  • NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars: COD