NASA recently announced they’ll be awarding $11.7 million dollars to eight HBCUs through their new Data Science Equity, Access, and Priority in Research and Education (DEAP) initiative, Essence reports.
Bethune-Cookman University; Florida A & M University; Fayetteville State University; Lincoln University; Morgan State University; North Carolina A & T State University; North Carolina Central University, and Prairie View A & M University will each take on a project that enables students and faculty to "conduct innovative data science research that contributes to NASA’s missions."
“We’re pleased to make progress through awards like this to intentionally build the STEM pipeline of the future, especially in communities of color. 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," said NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy.
According to Zippia, 13% of NASA employees are Black, and they're looking to increase that percentage by prioritizing HBCU students.
“The increasing use of data science at NASA and beyond really drives home the need for a future workforce with data science knowledge. With our newest collaboration, NASA created an exciting pathway to find new talent at HBCUs," Associate Administrator of NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement Mike Kincaid added.
Photo: NASA/Cory Huston