NASA is awarding $11.7 million to eight Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through the new Data Science Equity, Access, and Priority in Research and Education opportunity.
According to the agency, the awards will enable HBCU students and faculty “to conduct innovative data science research that contributes to NASA’s missions.” The awarded projects have up to three years to establish institutes and partnerships designed to expand the number and research capacity of STEM students at the HBCUs while accelerating innovation in a wide range of NASA science, technology, engineering, and mathematic research areas.
“We’re pleased to make progress through awards like this to intentionally build the STEM pipeline of the future, especially in communities of color,” said NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy. “It’s fitting during Black History Month that we make this tangible step to build on the talent pool at HBCUs in our ongoing work to bring to the table all the talents and perspectives we’ll need to send humans to the Moon, Mars and beyond, and do amazing science throughout the solar system.”
“The increasing use of data science at NASA and beyond really drives home the need for a future workforce with data science knowledge,” said Mike Kincaid, associate administrator of NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement. “With our newest collaboration, NASA created an exciting pathway to find new talent at HBCUs.”
