NASA and Mary J. Blige join to encourage STEM education

NASA and Mary J. Blige join to encourage STEM education

An increasing number of universities throughout the country are encouraging students to enroll in science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related (STEM) courses. In order to popularize these programs and prepare students for careers in these fields, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is collaborating with award-winning recording artist Mary J. Blige to encourage young women to study STEM subjects.

Blige will star in a public service announcement featuring veteran space shuttle astronaut Leland Melvinand this week on NASA TV and on the agency's website. NASA's Summer of Innovation (SoI) project and Blige's Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now (FFAWN) both show students the career opportunities that are available if they pursue higher education in these fields.

The SoI project is part of President Obama's Educate to Innovate Campaign, which started earlier this summer to encourage students to enroll in STEM-related courses.

"Working with FFAWN is a rare opportunity to help spread the STEM message into communities not always readily accessible to us," Melvin said. "Mary's presence can help NASA make the STEM message more appealing to these communities and increase the pipeline of underrepresented students going into these disciplines."

The joint effort with the NASA Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Aerospace Academy project at York College of the City University of New York will provide on-the-job training for FFAWN participants.

By Mark Danson