Program Delivery Model

STEM education is crucial to the ultimate success of our young people as STEM jobs in the United States are expected to grow nearly twice as fast as other fields by 2020. The MUREP Aerospace Academy program at ECSU is unique in that it introduces groups traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields to careers in aerospace through a balanced mix of theory, hands-on activities, field trips, and guest seminars/lectures. The program will offer out-of-school hands-on science programs for students from elementary to high school. Programs will deliver training through: (1) Summer Academy, (2) Friday/Saturday Academy, (3) College Planning, (4) Authentic Projects, (5) Family Involvement, and (6) Mobile Aerospace Education Lab.

Summer Academy

The summer academy provides out of school science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) enrichment to elementary, middle, and high school students. The NASA Aerospace Academy site at Elizabeth City State University delivers twelve (2 residential and 10 non-residential) weeklong summer camps. The residential summer camps will be hosted on the ECSU campus and will be open to only high school students. The non-residential camps will be conducted at our partnering school districts (satellite sites). ECSU Aerospace Academy satellite sites are at Warren County Public Schools, Martin County Public Schools, Edenton-Chowan Public Schools, Perquimans County Schools, and Pasquotank County Public Schools.

Professional Development for Educators

Class Instructor professional development is designed to help teachers develop and apply the knowledge and skills necessary to help students learn. The outcomes of teacher professional development are defined in terms of improved professional practice with the long-term goals focused on improved student outcomes. The NASA MUREP Aerospace Academy of Northeastern North Carolina (NENC) at Elizabeth City State University will offer innovative on-site, online, and blended solutions designed to meet the needs and goals of educators presenting practical, professional, and workable ideas that can be used immediately. These training sessions will assist teachers in the development of a plan that meets educators where they are, and brings instruction to the next level.

Friday/Saturday Academy

Saturday Academy sessions, scheduled in the fall and spring, are designed to enhance student’s academic skills and interest in higher education. Saturday Academy is an intense academic program designed to serve students who are willing to go the extra mile to enhance their education.  Students may elect from a variety of classes including math, reading, English, writing, science, computers, and various career related courses.  Student’s academic performance will be assessed and evaluated in the specific subject areas and instruction will be provided that will build on existing strengths and work on identified weaknesses. During Saturday Academy sessions, families will have the opportunity to participate in tutoring, workshops, community service projects, and social events throughout the school year.

Family Involvement/Connection: Family involvement component

Mobile STEM Lab Initiative – Lab on Wheels

Using Roadshow-In-A-Box concept developed by the National Center for Women and Information Technology. This program defines the value of having an outreach program to motivate and recruit students and carries the message of opportunities in specific industries. Using this model as a guide, we have identified six development components that will be used in implementing the proposed aerospace-themed mobile STEM lab program: (i) Controlled Message, (ii) Support, (iii) Ongoing School Partnership, (iv) Trained Student Presenters, (v) Program Activities, (vi) Evaluation and Tracking.

A traveling demonstration (Roadshow-In-A-Box) will complement the outreach program activities that will include a more in-depth program that will bring students from the participating county area to the ECSU campus and its satellite academies for a one-week camp focusing on NASA curriculum and hands-on learning modules, as well as guest speakers and field trips in related subject matter.

The Roadshow-In-A-Box program is designed to reach out to students from all grade levels to generate interest in staying in school, pursuing STEM degrees and careers.

The schedule include visits to a total of three schools/districts each month during the school year for a total of 27 visits each year. The schedule will include, a notional 4-6 one-hour sessions/school/day (varies depending on school hours and number of students available to attend).  Click here to schedule a visit to your school.