Dallas, TX – Nationwide Math and Science Initiative proudly celebrates the thirtieth anniversary of former CEO Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr.’s historic spacewalk. On Feb. 9, 1995, Dr. Harris turned the primary African American astronaut to stroll in house in the course of the Area Shuttle Discovery mission STS-63. Since then, he has devoted his life to advancing STEM schooling and galvanizing future generations.
Dr. Harris’ ardour for house was ignited on the age of 13 when he watched the Apollo 11 moon touchdown in 1969. Decided to turn out to be an astronaut, he pursued levels in biology and medication, later finishing a residency on the Mayo Clinic and a fellowship at NASA’s Ames Analysis Heart.
In 1990, Dr. Harris was chosen by NASA as an astronaut candidate. He flew on two house shuttle missions: as a mission specialist on STS-55 in 1993 and because the payload commander on STS-63 in 1995. It was in the course of the latter mission that he carried out his now historic spacewalk.
“Dr. Harris’ journey exemplifies the transformative energy of STEM schooling,” mentioned Jeremy Anderson, CEO of NMSI. “His unwavering dedication to increasing STEM alternatives for all college students continues to encourage educators and college students alike.”
Advancing STEM Training By Management and Advocacy
Dr. Harris, a founding board member and former CEO of NMSI, has lengthy championed equitable entry to high-quality STEM schooling. He based the Harris Basis and Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit group devoted to increasing STEM alternatives for underserved college students. By initiatives just like the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer time Science Camp, his work has impressed numerous younger minds to discover STEM careers.
In recognition of his efforts in advancing STEM schooling, Dr. Harris obtained the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in August 2024.
“Center college is a important time when many college students start to doubt their potential in STEM,” mentioned Dr. Harris. “However that’s after I realized it was my path. I hope my journey conjures up younger minds to remain curious, pursue STEM, and imagine of their potential to attain greatness.”
STEM Training: A Pathway to the Future
The necessity for high-quality STEM schooling is extra important than ever, with STEM occupations projected to develop by almost 11% by 2031—greater than twice the speed of all different fields, in response to the U.S. Division of Labor.
NMSI’s Skilled Growth Providers equip educators with the instruments, sources, and help they should construct impactful STEM applications, inspiring the subsequent era of STEM leaders like Dr. Harris. Up to now, these companies have reached over 2.7 million college students, 70,000 academics, 1,800 excessive faculties, and 44 universities nationwide.
College students taught by NMSI-trained educators present elevated confidence and curiosity in STEM topics, with Black college students demonstrating a notable rise in STEM profession aspirations—underscoring the facility of devoted educators and equitable entry to high quality STEM schooling.
Be a part of the Motion
As we have fun this important milestone, NMSI stays dedicated to honoring Dr. Harris’ legacy by empowering educators and galvanizing college students to achieve for the celebs.
Educators and policymakers can discover NMSI’s Skilled Growth Providers and uncover how they will help the subsequent era of STEM leaders. Be taught extra at https://www.nms.org/Providers.aspx.
About Nationwide Math and Science Initiative
Nationwide Math and Science Initiative is devoted to enhancing scholar outcomes in math and science, significantly in underserved communities. By offering educators with high-quality skilled improvement and help, NMSI ensures that each one college students have entry to the talents and information wanted to thrive in a quickly altering world. For extra info, go to http://www.nms.org.
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