NASA Community College Program Puts New Alum On His Career Path

Isaac Bennett '24 just experienced one of those transformational moments in his life, and it all began when he read a flyer on a bulletin board while walking the halls of Onondaga Community College. "I kind of stumbled on this. I saw a poster, went to a website, and applied. And now, I just returned from a NASA Research Center and can see myself working there one day! It's very cool! I want more students to know this opportunity is out there!"

Bennett spent a week at NASA's Langley Research Center as part of the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars program. He was one of 40 students selected to participate. "I always had that passion for space. This made it more realistic. I talked to people at NASA who have been where I am now. They explained how they got where they are. It was a very worthwhile experience which anyone interested in math, engineering, or science can take advantage of."

Bennett is a 2022 graduate of Jamesville-Dewitt High School who came to OCC for the Engineering Science program. While working toward his degree he earned membership in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, tutored fellow students in chemistry, math, and physics, started the Math Club, and was a member of OCC's Cross Country team.

During his sophomore year, he learned about the opportunity with NASA and decided to pursue it. The program included three phases or "missions" which were designed to challenge and build student knowledge and skills by focusing on NASA's mission goals, collaboration, and career pathways. Mission 1 was a five-week, self-paced online course. Mission 2 was also virtual, and gave students the opportunity to collaborate on a gamified mission to the Moon or Mars. Students were asked to develop a design solution that integrates multiple systems.

Mission 3 was three weeks long. During the first two weeks, students collaborated on a project virtually. "We researched EV Tolls, also known as Air Taxis. They are basically big drones that fly people around in big cities. We researched how to make them quieter."

The final week of Mission 3 brought all of the students together at NASA's Langley Research Center in Virginia. "I remember the bus that took you from your hotel to the Center. Everyone was in awe of the big NASA logo and being inside and surrounded by NASA employees."

Bennett and his team presented the findings of their research to NASA. They also toured the facility and took advantage of opportunities to network with NASA employees. "The whole experience helped me decide I want to work at NASA one day and understand how I get there. This was the first step."

As Bennett learned, NASA's Community College Aerospace Scholars program costs students almost nothing. Missions 1 and 2 are free. For Mission 3, travel and hotel costs are covered. Students must pay for their meals, but they receive a $400 stipend for participating. "It's a great opportunity. If you have any interest, apply. Even if you're not totally sure, do it! If you put in the time and the effort, it will be worth it."

Bennett will enroll at the Rochester Institute of Technology this fall. He plans to explore NASA internship opportunities as he pursues his goal of working there one day.