College Receives NASA Community College Aerospace Funding
NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars recently announced that College of the Desert would be one of 11 community colleges nationwide to receive funds as part of NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP).
“College of the Desert participated in a pilot program last summer and our students and faculty benefited immensely from the experience,” said Professor Jorge Pérez. “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 students in NASA 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 NASA 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.”
