Texas High School Aerospace Scholars (Has)
This year marks the annual Texas High School Aerospace Scholars project as a joint initiation between the state of Texas and NASA. This great program is available to receive nominations for eligible high school juniors. This project is also eligible for those in the home school community as well. I hope that through this article we can let the whole community know about this fantastic learning experience. Getting involved is fast and easy. The student must simply first apply online. Though this is a preliminary step, it is important that the applications get sent in on time before the process closes. Once this happens, the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) will then go through and review those applicants. As they process this information, they will then send legislators a list of students who have applied in the legislators’ respective districts.
The Texas High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) program gives students a great opportunity to be introduced to a variety of science and math skills. This project is a two-phase learning opportunity for those students who have been nominated and can participate. The first phase is comprised of an engaging online experience where the students will learn a variety of things about space. This wide-ranging program should help the students that participate with building better skills in critical thinking, creativity, productivity, communication, self-direction and accountability. Overall, this competitive experience will be an in-depth and engaging understanding of past, present and even the future of space exploration.
After a student successfully completes the first phase of this project, they will then be eligible to qualify for phase two. The second phase is hosted by the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, and will span over the course of six days during the summer, at no cost to the student. Over the past several years of this program’s existence, there have been a number of positive impacts to students. Some of these students have obtained degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This great program can really work to help build a strong educational foundation for those students who are interested in space and space exploration. To date, thousands of students have participated in the program across the state.
To be eligible to participate in this process the student must:
• A U.S. citizen
• A Texas resident
• A high school junior
• Interested in science, technology, engineering or mathematics
• Able to access the internet (from home, school or a public library)
If you would like to learn more about the Texas High School Aerospace Scholars program, or if you would like to nominate an eligible student, please visit High School Aerospace Scholars.
If you would like to follow the Texas House and learn more information on news, committees or other aspects of the legislative body, you can access its website at Texas House of Representatives. The site features live streaming from committee hearings as well as access to a number of other resources. You can also follow the Texas Senate at Texas Senate. For important information regarding transportation in the state, feel free to visit the Texas Department of Transportation. Other references are the Texas General Land Office, or visit the Texas Railroad Commission.
If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).
– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32
Rep. Hunter represents Nueces (Part) County. He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.state.tx.us or at 512-463-0672.
