Drake State Community & Technical College partners with NASA to create career pathways for traditionally underrepresented students in STEM.
Middle & High School Students
Bootcamps
This is an educational opportunity for underrepresented populations in STEM careers. The bootcamps are designed to introduce students to career-technical fields and inspire students to pursue engineering careers in the future. Racially or ethnically underrepresented students (Hispanics and Latinos, African Americans, American Indians, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders) and female students are eligible to apply. Each bootcamp is a one-day event from 9 AM - 4 PM with lunch included. Students will learn from certified instructors.
Drones July 9 Ages 14+ 8:30 am - 4:30 pm High school students will learn the fundamentals of unmanned flight, safety basics, overview of FAA rules for drone operation, and hands-on exercises in basic drone operation. The bootcamp will be taught by an experienced FAA-certified drone instructor.
Robotics July 9 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
High school students can sign up for the Robotics Bootcamp through NASA's Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP). This bootcamp will expose students to the fundamentals of robotics and allow them to participate in a design challenge to build a basic radio-controlled robot chassis.
Moon Rises Over Alabama
When: May 20 - August 2 Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 pm - 2:30 pm
Led by John Mankins, Vice President of the Moon Village Association and Drake State Engineering Design faculty, this 10-week program will immerse students in some of the most exciting aspects of current space exploration. Students will:
Learn rationale for Moon exploration
Review history of Moon exploration
Learn about the Global Exploration Road Map
Learn about lunar settlement including emerging techniques for space construction
Complete team and individual projects including a 3D printed replication of moon topography
Hear guest lectures by NASA lunar program experts
High school students - This program is FREE for students in Drake State’s Dual Enrollment program. For information and to register contact the Dual Enrollment program at dualenrollment@drakestate.edu or (256) 551-7271.
Non-high school students - For registration information, contact the Workforce Development program at wfd@drakestate.edu or (256) 551-3227.
Estella's Brilliant Bus STEAM & Youth Entrepreneurship
When: July 11 - July 22 Time: 9 am - 3 pm, lunch included
Estella's Brilliant Bus STEAM & Youth Entrepreneurship is a "school on wheels" program that primarily serves under-resourced communities. This Palm Beach County, FL nonprofit will roll through Madison County, AL and provide teenagers (ages 12-17) online intructional opportunities and life skills, including Biz Kidz financial literacy and Stemnasium Drone Academy. For more information, please call (561) 985-1889.
Engineering Internships
Concrete Industry Management
When: May 30 - August 5 Stipend: $730/week Housing: Students will be paired together in campus apartments at Middle Tennessee State University for $439 per student per month. Food: Students are responsible for their own food expenses. Some food service providers will be open on campus over the summer. Qualifications: Must have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours of classwork with a 2.75 - 3.0 GPA. Completion of College level Math class with a C or better.
Work approximately 32 hours per week with Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) faculty and industry partners to develop skills and knowledge required for successful careers in the concrete industry. Specific tasks include participation in the following areas
Concrete mix design and concrete batching,
Concrete quality assurance and quality control planning,
Concrete placement & finishing techniques,
Field participation in several concrete pours on the MTSU campus
Plant observations at local concrete producers and precast manufacturers
Laboratory testing of concrete in accordance with ASTM standards
Engage in concrete materials research & development activities
Present research findings & internship report at the end of the program.
If interested, submit the following materials to Kelly Strong at kelly.strong@mtsu.edu
Statement of interest, including career goals
Resume
Unofficial transcript