Former Astronauts Bernard Harris, Jr. and Leland Melvin join forces with National Math and Science Initiative, Blue Origin, and RTX to bring STEM education, space, and history to Martha's Vineyard
DALLAS, Aug. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) announces 'From STEM to the Stars', an event to inspire, educate and celebrate the wonders of STEM, space exploration and the history of human spaceflight. Hosted by distinguished astronauts Bernard Harris, Jr. and Leland Melvin, along with esteemed partners Blue Origin and RTX, the event is open to the public on August 4-5, 2023 at Waban Park in Martha's Vineyard.
"At NMSI, our mission is to transform education and propel students toward successful careers in STEM fields. We are thrilled to partner with esteemed astronauts Bernard Harris, Jr. and Leland Melvin, as well as Blue Origin and RTX, to bring this exceptional event to Martha's Vineyard," said Nichole Austion, Vice President of Public Affairs at NMSI.
The event will feature former astronauts Leland Melvin, Bernard Harris, Jr., Joan Higginbotham and Charlie Bolden, along with current astronaut Victor Glover. Special guest Ed Dwight, the first Black individual accepted into the astronaut training program, will also be a part of this unforgettable experience.
The centerpiece of the event will be the awe-inspiring Blue Origin New Shepard Crew Capsule, an iconic symbol of modern space exploration. Attendees can explore a replica of the space capsule that has journeyed beyond Earth, paving the way for future space endeavors.
In addition, the event will feature enlightening and engaging panel discussions to include:
- Fireside chat with RTX executives Earl Exum and Erich Hernandez-Baquero about their experiences in the aerospace industry.
- An astronaut experience and Blue Origin panel, featuring Ed Dwight, the first Black astronaut candidate, providing a unique perspective on the journey to space.
- A STEM Education Panel with Leland Melvin, offering insights into the boundless possibilities of STEM education.
- A STEM Careers panel hosted by Blue Origin and its nonprofit, Club for the Future, focused on the importance of building a diverse space workforce and inspiring the next generation, featuring Ed Dwight and Blue Origin's Audrey Powers, Vice President of Mission & Flight Operations, and Jarrett Jones, Senior Vice President of New Glenn.
To foster a passion for science and exploration among the younger generation, the event will include:
- An interactive STEM Kids zone filled with captivating STEM-related activities, including a Postcards to Space station hosted by Club for the Future
- A screening of NASA film "The Color of Space" recognizing current and former Black astronauts who have traveled to the stars
- An immersive virtual experience including real-time collaborative 3D interactions
- A 'moon shot' activity where kids can fly a foam airplane to different parts of the moon
- Rockets and Racecars fireside chat with NASA
"The exploration of space opens doors to limitless opportunities and fosters a spirit of curiosity and discovery," said Bernard Harris, Jr., "Through this event, we aim to ignite the same passion for learning and exploration that has driven us as astronauts throughout our careers."
"Education is the foundation for reaching new frontiers," added Leland Melvin, astronaut and advocate for STEM education. "Together with NMSI, Blue Origin and RTX, we strive to inspire the next generation to aim higher and push boundaries further in the name of innovation and exploration."
For more information about 'From STEM to the Stars,' visit https://landing.nms.org/from-stem-to-the-stars.
About the National Math and Science Initiative
The National Math and Science Initiative works with communities and local school systems to increase access and achievement in rigorous education, particularly in STEM and especially for students most often underserved and underrepresented in STEM careers. Recent high school graduates who participated in NMSI's flagship College Readiness Program were more likely than their peers to enroll in four-year college, persist in college, graduate in four years and pursue STEM or teaching careers. Learn more at http://www.nms.org.
About Blue Origin
Blue Origin was founded with a vision of building a road to space to enable millions of people to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth—humanity's blue origin. To achieve this, the company is focused on radically reducing the cost of access to space, harnessing its vast resources, and inspiring and mobilizing future generations. The company is working today to create that future by developing reusable launch vehicles and in-space systems that are safe, low cost, and serve the needs of all civil, commercial, and defense customers.
Blue Origin's efforts include flying astronauts to space on New Shepard, producing reusable liquid rocket engines, developing a large-capacity, orbital launch vehicle with New Glenn, building next-generation space habitats, and returning to the surface of the Moon. These endeavors will add new chapters to the history of spaceflight and move all of humanity closer to that founding vision. For more information about Blue Origin, please visit BlueOrigin.com.
About RTX
RTX is the world's largest aerospace and defense company. With more than 180,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems for operational success, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2022 sales of $67 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.
Media Contact
NMSI, NMSI, 608 216 7300 x107, madison@cblohm.com
SOURCE NMSI
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