NMSI & DoD STEM Partner with BPS, Provide Grants
The National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) has launched its College Readiness Program in partnership with two Brevard Public Schools, Viera High School and Satellite High School. Both are military-connected schools serving Patrick Space Force Base. The program partnership is made possible with dedicated funding from the Department of Defense’s STEM Education & Outreach office (known as “DoD STEM”) through the Defense STEM Education Consortium (DSEC).
Through this funding, Satellite High was provided with a $170,065.00 grant, and Viera High was provided a $220,395.00 grant to use towards programming and teacher training.
To commemorate this partnership, BPS hosted a “Welcome to the NMSI Family” Celebration on Thursday, March 2nd at 10:00 am at Viera High School. NMSI Executive Director and veteran astronaut, Dr. Bernard Harris, was the keynote speaker at the event and reminded the audience that we are each “infinite beings with infinite possibilities.”
Along with Dr. Harris, we heard from two students about the impact of their AP and STEM classes on their success. Lavanya Natarajan from Viera High and Connor Bailey from Satellite High both gave insight into their journeys as students in BPS and what they hope to accomplish in the future.
Remarks were made by other special guests including, Dr. Stephanie Soliven, Assistant Superintendent of BPS Secondary Leading & Learning; Viera High Principal, Sarah Robinson; Satellite High Principal, Bobby Pruett, and Mr. Louis Lopez, Director of STEM for the Department of Defense. Prior to the event, the Viera High Jazz Band provided entertainment, and the Viera High JROTC lead the Pledge of Allegiance and the presentation of colors.
Thank you to NMSI and DoD STEM for their dedication to Brevard Public Schools.