NC Space Grant Announces 2024-2025 MSI STEM Bridge and Pathways Scholars

November 27, 2024 James Werner 2-min. read

North Carolina Space Grant presents its new cohort of Minority Serving Institution (MSI) STEM Bridge Scholars and MSI STEM Pathways Scholars.

In total, 18 students will explore and cultivate knowledge about NASA and related science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) opportunities.

“Our mission is to inspire students from a variety of backgrounds and experiences to explore space-related STEM disciplines, equipping them with the tools and expertise needed for academic research and career success. We’re proud to support this effort through these scholarships,” said Sandy Canfield, the Assistant Director of NC Space Grant.

The MSI STEM scholarships are offered to undergraduate students at Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as identified by the NASA MSI Exchange. The Pathways scholarship aids students early in their STEM studies and the Bridge scholarship supports the advancement of their academic and career pathways.

“It’s always fulfilling to see our MSI STEM scholars achieve milestones—earning NASA internships, receiving additional scholarships from NC Space Grant and beyond, being accepted into graduate programs, and launching their STEM careers,” said Canfield.

This year, students represent six North Carolina MSI or HBCU institutions, including Fayetteville State University, NC Agricultural and Technical State University, University of North Carolina Pembroke, St. Augustine University, Elizabeth City State University, and Winston-Salem State University.

The scholarships ultimately inspire students to explore research territories of NASA mission directorates—Aeronautics, Exploration Systems Development, Mission Support, Science, Space Operations, and Space Technology—during their academic careers and beyond.