A recent gift from the National Space Club – Huntsville (NSC-H) to support HudsonAlpha’s EducationalOutreach programs will fuel STEM-based (science, technology, engineering and math) education programs that promote curiosity and inspire students. 

As the U.S. space industry thrives and expands in North Alabama, the NSC-H continues its mission to support space industry efforts. The membership organization meets monthly and is comprised of industry leaders, educators, and even students. In addition to focusing on space endeavors in the region, the club also financially supports projects and scholarships that promote STEM education, like programs offered by the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology.

“HudsonAlpha is a recognized world leader in genomics-based research with a goal to nurture the next generation of biotech researchers and entrepreneurs,” said Terry Abel, NSC-H Co-Chair of Education. “These goals, though a bit different from classical aerospace activities, align well with NSC-H’s mission to promote and help sponsor STEM education in our region, particularly given the notion of living and working in space.”

HudsonAlpha’s Educational Outreach programs inspire tomorrow’s bioscience workforce while building a more genomics-literate society. The dynamic team at HudsonAlpha reaches students, educators, medical providers, patients and the community through hands-on classroom modules, in-depth school and workshop experiences, and digital learning opportunities.

The NSC-H believes that support for STEM education is critical to the production of the next generation of scientists and engineers for the future of both national defense as well as civil space and exploration. In addition, STEM education impacts almost every aspect of our culture and work environment.

In 2020, the club appropriated a record budget of $150,000 for STEM engagement and outreach, giving significant support for Huntsville area activities. The funds have been granted to deserving individuals and groups which continue the NSC-H efforts to support rocketry and aeronautics. Fifteen college students received scholarships valued at $38,000. In addition, the club gave funds to support programs that impacted another 9,140 students through various groups and STEM-related activities. Since the NSC-H began its focus on STEM education in 2008, they have granted 112 college/university scholarships and impacted 59,000 regional students.

In addition, the NSC-H is involved with numerous local STEM educational efforts including activities such as NASA’s Human Exploration Rover Challenge, Student Launch, FIRST Robotics Regional competition, Regional and State Science Fairs, STEM Summer Institute, InSPIRESS, support for middle and high-school STEM teams, and field trips.

“We are grateful for the support from the National Space Club here in Huntsville,” said Elizabeth Herrin, HudsonAlpha Director of External Relations. “HudsonAlpha’s Educational Outreach programs both inspire and educate the next generation of STEM leaders and we are grateful to receive this gift to offer more opportunities to local students.”

For more information about HudsonAlpha’s Educational Outreach programs or to donate, click here.