NASA Selects Victory Early College Student for Texas High School Aerospace Scholars Program
The experience motivates students to pursue STEM and inspires the next generation of explorers.
HAS Scholar Esmeralda Trejo works on a computer to complete the program’s online assignments.
[dropcap color=”#888″ type=”square”]E[/dropcap]smeralda Trejo is over the moon. She received news this fall that many students dream of. NASA selected her to take part in the [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]Texas High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) program.
Carver HS — Iván Delagdo was a HAS Scholar during his junior year.
The junior is a student at [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]Victory Early College High School. She is already immersed in the HAS program. Esmeralda is currently taking the online courses.
NASA’s HAS program gives students a unique opportunity. During the school year, Scholars undertake the online, interactive courses. But the participants have their eyes set on the summer. NASA staff members observe the Scholars during the online segment. The space agency will invite Scholars who score high enough to spend a week over the summer at the Johnson Space Center.
The goal of the program is to motivate students to pursue STEM careers. The acronym stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Esmeralda is already planning to pursue mechanical engineering. She intends to get her master of science in the field. The Victory student hopes to someday work at NASA as an engineer.
NASA’s mission is to understand, to explore, and to inspire. The future of the space program depends upon educated, motivated people. The Agency needs individuals with the ingenuity to invent new tools. The program develops students’ passion to solve problems. They also gain the courage to ask the difficult questions.
NASA provides exemplary programs that inspire the next generation of explorers. The Agency works with schools to expand the pool of human capital available to meet NASA’s needs. The Agency seeks to ignite young people’s passion for exploration and discovery.
Esmeralda found out about the HAS Program through school. Her physics teacher Lyn del Monte-Onato sent an email to students to inform them about it.
“The program sounded interesting. So I decided to apply. That was a great decision. I am thrilled to be working with NASA. This is an incredible experience.” — Esmeralda Trejo
Iván Delgado poses with astronaut Mike Fossum.
HAS Program Scholars
[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Are high school juniors.[/li] [li]Show interest in STEM fields.[/li][/ul]
[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Are able to commit to a one-year relationship with NASA.[/li][/ul]
Students from across the state take part each year. The program is competitive. State legislators nominate students. Students submit an application, an essay and a letter of recommendation. A panel selects the students.
As a Scholar, Esmeralda must fulfill the online component of the program.
“The HAS Program is taking me one step closer to my dream,“ said Esmeralda. “I am excited about the future.“
HAS Scholar Activities During the School Year
[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Interactive lessons on NASA activities related to space exploration, Earth science, technology and aeronautics[/li] [li]Design challenges such as building 3D CAD modules, creating videos and designing interactive posters[/li][/ul]
[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Virtual chat with NASA engineers and scientists[/li][/ul]
Esmeralda is working hard to complete her assignments successfully.
“Every day I learn something new and interesting,” said Esmeralda. “The topics are fascinating, which make me eager to learn more about them. I have to also thank my teachers at Victory Early College High School for being supportive. I especially thank Ms. Onato. She has helped me better understand some of my assignments.“
Iván stands with Mark Geyer and Ellen Ochoa. Geyer is deputy director of the JSC. Ochoa was the first Hispanic woman in space. She is currently director of the JSC.
She is not the only Aldine ISD student to take part in the HAS Program. [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]Iván Delgado was a HAS Scholar during his junior year at Carver High School. He completed the summer on-site visit in July. The experience sparked his interest. So much so that Iván found his passion. He wanted to work at NASA. Before the start of his senior year, Iván made a big decision. He applied for an internship at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. NASA admitted him. Iván is currently the only high school student in the yearlong internship. The other interns are college juniors, seniors and PhD students.
HAS Summer On-site Experience
[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Briefings by NASA engineers and scientists[/li] [li]Team projects directed by NASA engineers and scientists[/li][/ul]
[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Hands-on engineering activities[/li] [li]Tours of NASA facilities[/li][/ul]
Dr. Phyllis Cormier is proud of Esmeralda. Cormier is principal at the campus.
“The applicant pool was competitive,” said Cormier. “Esmeralda showed she has the right stuff. Everyone at Victory is extremely proud of her. This is an incredible opportunity NASA provides students.“
Esmeralda has one word of advice to students pursing STEM fields: Apply!
“The High School Scholars program is an amazing opportunity,” said Esmeralda. “This is something for any student interested in STEM subjects or careers. It’s an exciting experience. And you have lots of fun exploring and learning!“
The HAS Program is “one giant leap” for Esmeralda and her journey toward her future.
[icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]Victory Early College HS gives AISD students an opportunity to get ahead. Students can complete two years of college credit. The campus made [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]Newsweek‘s top 500 U.S. schools ranking. Victory ECHS also earned recognition in [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]U.S. News & World Report‘s high school rankings. The campus also ranked in [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]Niche’s Top 100 Best High Schools in the Houston area. The campus is a [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]2015 Blue Ribbon School.
About the Author: Leticia Fehling
