Fresno State is one of nine universities nationwide working with underserved and underrepresented children to build interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through NASA’s Aerospace Academy program.

Dr. Steve Price is the director of Community Based Learning, which runs the academy in the Kremen School of Education and Human Development.

“We commit to do two things: develop and implement a curriculum with kids in K-12 throughout the year that relates to STEM programs and are based on NASA-themed activities," he said. "Secondly, to promote the education of pre-service teachers in the STEM field.”

The program recruits juniors and seniors planning to teach — and other Fresno State undergraduates from STEM fields — as instructors.

Nearly 4,000 K-12 students have been through the academy at Fresno State since the program began three years ago.

Children in grades K-12 can learn to build land and underwater robots. Plus, they can test their piloting skills in flight simulations. And they can learn about planets and space travel in the University’s Space Lab. Parents can participate too by learning how to use a tablet to fly a small drone.

“Every year we learn something new and we just enhance the program,” said Kasey Vang, program director. “That’s the exciting part, seeing the growth in our pre-service teachers and seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces.”

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