Community College Aerospace Scholars
Would you like to learn about Aerospace engineering and have fun at the same time?
The Community College Aerospace Scholars (CAS) is the spring semester educational program for you. When you become an aerospace scholar, you'll participate in web-based activities and an on-site team project. Other opportunities include a behind the scenes tour of Johnson Space Center (JSC) and interaction with NASA engineers, educators, astronauts, and community college students from Texas.
Who is eligible to participate?
Three hundred community college students from across Texas will compete to participate in this program. To participate you must be:
A U.S. citizen (permanent residents are not eligible)
At least 18 years of age and a high school graduate
A Texas resident
A community college student pursuing an initial undergraduate degree
A community college student who has NOT previously attended a CAS event.
Enrolled or strongly in computer science, engineering, math, and science field
Able to commit to a one-semester relationship with NASA JSC, including a two-day experience during the spring semester in Houston at NASA JSC.
Able to access the Internet (home, school, or public library)
Able to complete requirements as established by Collin College
Attend a mandatory meeting with a representative from the Provost's office regarding travel
What will you do as an Aerospace Scholar?
CAS consists of two primary components:
The web-based activities include:
Twelve to fifteen hours of pre-work( required by NASA)
Online interaction with participants
The experience at NASA JSC includes:
Exploration team project directed by NASA engineers
Engineer, scientist, and astronaut briefings
Tour of NASA JSC facilities
Who pays for CAS?
CAS is funded by the State of Texas and NASA, and administrated by NASA JSC. Participants receive meals, lodging, and supplies at no charge. Transportation will be provided by Collin College.
Once you are chosen there is a $30 cash deposit that will be refunded when the van leaves for Houston. Go to the NASA site and please print out and sign the release and rules of conduct form . Bring the form and the $30.00 cash to Cynthia Souza F135 or Denise Brown J106 SCC.
What is the timeline?:
November-December 11, 5:00 pm Application and selection process for students begin.
January-Feburary 18: Applicants who have completed the graded online assignments will be selected to participate.
If more than 15 apply we will select the best 15 scores on the online assignments.
March 24-26: Students participate in a two-day on-site experience at NASA JSC
Application Deadline: ASAP
How do I apply?
There are two application processes, one for Collin College and the other with Nasa.
Nasa Application Process
Collin College Application process
Travel Dates
March 25-26 2010
Note that travel to NASA dates fall on Wednesday-Friday, with Wednesday morning and Friday afternooon being the travel dates. It is about a 5+ hour drive from Plano to NASA.
Collin CAS students Spring 2006
Students getting a tour of NASA