NASA and the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) formed a new all-star team of America’s next generation of leaders and explorers at this year’s CIAA Basketball Tournament in Raleigh, N.C. The tournament runs March 1-5 at the Raleigh Convention and RBC Centers.
During the tournament, NASA will share the excitement of discovery and space exploration with students from across the state. Astronaut Leland Melvin, a former NFL football player, will engage middle and high school students in activities designed to spark their interest and imagination and to guide them toward careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
“Over the next two decades, the projected number of students pursuing careers in STEM disciplines may not meet the critical needs of this country. With more than 100,000 attendees, the CIAA serves as an excellent venue, where NASA can aggressively encourage and attract students to pursue careers that will yield the essential talent required to meet this challenge,” said NASA’s Chief Education Officer, Dr. Adena Williams Loston.
NASA’s involvement with the tournament is to inspire interest in STEM disciplines, expose underrepresented populations to careers at NASA, and build a pipeline of talent that will ensure and maintain America’s preeminence in science and technology.
During tournament events, NASA personnel will share information and answer questions related to the agency, its programs, careers and resources. A robotics competition, hands-on scientific workshops, interactive exhibits, a full-scale Mars Rover, the Vision Station and Mobile Aeronautics Education Laboratory will also be featured.
For information on NASA’s educational programs and activities visit:
http://education.nasa.gov