NASA awarded Fayetteville State University a grant to establish a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics pre-college summer institute in geospatial science and technology. 

NASA’s Minority University Research and Education project selected FSU for funding for its proposal for drones, remote sensing and GIS to map and analyze CO2 and land change. This makes FSU one of ten historically black colleges and universities selected to receive the award. 

“Students will learn and practice with earth science and geospatial science STEM concepts and principles through hands-on and authentic lessons and lab exercises,” said Trung Tran, Ph.D., FSU assistant professor in geospatial science and principal investigator of the project.

The proposal aims to increase the interest of high school students in STEM, particularly underrepresented and underserved students. This program will provide the tools necessary to succeed in a STEM degree leading to associated careers with NASA’s earth science. 

Additionally, the institute will offer workshops, information about potential jobs and internships relevant to earth science, geospatial science, and technology. 

In July, 20 rising 10th through 12th grade high school students from Cumberland County will be recruited for a two-week residential camp at FSU. University students will have the opportunity to participate in the project through student assistantships. 

Built with four curriculum modules, the camp will expose students to satellite remote sensing, monitoring CO2, geographic information system and technology and drone engineering and operations.

For more information and details regarding the institute, visit here.