NASA teams up with lcoal schools to offer unique learning, working opportunities

A $440,000 grant will help build a partnership between NASA, Robeson Community College, UNC-Pembroke, and the Public Schools of Robeson County

By: Rusty Ray | SCNow
Published: September 29, 2009

With his signature on another of his famous big checks, Congressman Mike McIntyre (D- Lumberton) brought more than $440,000 of federal grant money to local colleges and schools to help students in Robeson County reach for the stars.
As part of the grant,students at Robeson Community College, University of North Carolina-Pembroke, and the Public Schools of Robeson County will now get the chance to have NASA resources, experiments, and guidelines to supplement already burgeoning science curriculums.
"We don't want to be lagging behind in this global marketplace," said McIntyre. "We want students to be excited aotu those opportunities," he said.
The programs funded by the grants will start November 1st, and getting the money and fueling the students' path to excellence in the schools is part of AIMS: Acquiring Interest in Math And Science, a partnership between the schools.
"With the emphasis right now in our own county on these core topics, I don't think the timing could be better," said RCC President Dr. Charles Chrestman. "It will give students a great opportunity to see the best in the world in what they do in science and technology."
Dr.Chrestman added that part of the money will fund summer internships--for students and faculty--with NASA.
"They'll be able to bring what they learn from NASA back here and integrate it into their study," he said.