Lone Star College-Online, (LSC-Online) students have been selected to participate in the prestigious NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) program. This incredible opportunity is designed to enhance students' STEM skills and prepare them for impactful careers in the industry.
The national program features three challenging missions that inspire students and build expertise by focusing on NASA’s mission goals, collaboration, and career pathways. LSC-Online students Alyssa Perry and Ramon Rodriguez, both majoring in Computer Science and having studied Programming Fundamentals, are proud to have successfully completed the first two missions. They are eagerly awaiting news on whether they will advance to the third mission, which includes a weeklong trip to a NASA Field Center for just 60 students!
In the first mission, Discover, our students were selected alongside 2,000 others from across the U.S. to spend five weeks learning about NASA’s current plans and how they can play a part. This mission involved online expert lectures, interactive multimedia, and discussions with other aerospace scholars. The students researched and produced a final project—an infographic focusing on a NASA program area and mission of their choice.
The second mission, Explore, saw just over 300 students shortlisted from the original group to collaborate in teams of 13 from across the country. They participated in a simulated lunar mission, creating a design solution that combined different systems while simulating NASA’s workplace roles, giving them a taste of what it’s like to really work at NASA.
Alyssa shared her experience:
“We had days where we got to meet with NASA employees for networking. They broke us up into our job groups. As a science communication specialist, I got to talk with actual NASA communication specialists to learn about the job, how they got there, and everything from A to Z. They helped us figure out our projects and roles. I learned a lot, and it made me want to focus more on computer science and keep up with my programming. I want to learn how to communicate that to people who wouldn't understand it.”
Ramon also reflected on his experience:
“Meeting the people was the best part. I met some extraordinary people. My team was great and also playing the role of systems specialist gave me a bigger picture of the job that systems specialists do at NASA.
Throughout that week we had several meetings when we were told about internship opportunities, it made that experience wonderful. I’ve improved my time management and communication skills. It made me more open to speaking to people and helped me overcome my nervousness when meeting new people. It inspired me to apply to NASA and keep pursuing Computer Science. My biggest takeaway is to always apply to anything that interests you because it can lead to amazing experiences like the one I had with NCAS.”
The students discovered NCAS through a recommendation by their LSC-Online Computer Science Professor, Dr. Javaher, who said about the program:
"Programs like NCAS provide our students with unparalleled opportunities. They are important because they offer hands-on experience, mentorship, and networking that can significantly enhance a student’s education and career trajectory, especially in an online environment. By working on real-world problems alongside industry experts, students gain valuable skills and a sense of purpose, inspiring them to tackle global challenges with innovation and resilience, ultimately preparing them to become the next generation of leaders.”
Alyssa, who also serves as Vice President of the LSC-Online Women in STEM Club and is the Secretary of the AI Computer Science Club, shared some advice about going back to school:
“I want people to know, especially moms who are going back to school, because I have four kids, one for myself, three for my husband and they are autistic, ADHD so they are special needs. And so even through all that, if you can find the time in your day, go for it. It's tough but go for it. The reward is going to be great at the end.”