Prince George’s Community College Awarded $1.2M NASA Grant to Enhance STEM Education

The grant aims to increase academic offerings and career opportunities at PGCC.

September 10, 2024

1–2 minutes

Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) has been awarded $1.2 million from NASA for the Minority University Research and Education Project Curriculum Awards grant.

This marks the second time in the college’s history that it has received such prestigious funding. PGCC is one of only five institutions nationwide, and one of just two community colleges, to receive this competitive grant.

The initiative aims to significantly enhance Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and opportunities for PGCC students.

This new grant will enable PGCC to achieve several key objectives, including:

Curriculum Enhancement: Improving and modernizing curricula in physics and chemistry to better align with current scientific and industry standards.
Student Research Support: Providing stipends for students to engage in cutting-edge research projects, fostering hands-on learning and discovery.
NASA Internships: Offering stipends to students for summer internships at NASA. This year, six students have been selected for 10-week internships, each receiving an $8,200 stipend.
Exploration of New Academic Pathways: Laying the groundwork for the potential launch of a major in physics, further expanding the academic offerings at PGCC.
Student and NASA Engagement: Connecting PGCC students with NASA scientists and engineers, providing them with unparalleled access to mentorship and career opportunities.

This grant underscores PGCC’s commitment to fostering innovation, supporting student success, and building a robust pipeline to careers in STEM fields. “We are excited about the opportunities this grant provides for our students to engage with NASA and gain invaluable experience in their fields of study,” said Dr. Neeharika Thakur. “This partnership not only enhances our academic programs but also empowers our students to reach new heights in their educational and professional journeys.”

Dr. Falecia D. Williams, president of Prince George’s Community College, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership and its potential impact on the PGCC community. “This partnership with NASA represents a tremendous opportunity for our students to connect with world-class scientists and engineers, positioning them for success in their future careers. We are proud to be a leader in providing access to STEM education and thrilled to see our students benefit from these unique learning experiences,” said Dr. Williams.