Microsoft and NASA are partnering to host the first Space Education Day, a showcase of students and educators in Washington D.C. The event will feature technology demonstrations, hackathons, and sessions to promote STEM education and inspire the next generation of space innovators.
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Space Education Day 2023: Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators
Space exploration has the power to captivate people of all ages and backgrounds. With NASA’s progress towards its first lunar mission in more than 50 years, a new generation of Americans can witness the awe-inspiring power and joy of a moon landing. This can also inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to pursue space-related STEM careers.
Microsoft and NASA’s Innovative Partnership
Microsoft and NASA have been partners for more than two decades, investing in the next generation by promoting STEM education across all communities. To further this effort, Microsoft and NASA are collaborating to host Space Education Day on June 20th at Microsoft’s office in Arlington, Virginia.
Space Education Day provides local students an opportunity to connect with Microsoft and NASA members during a day of innovative learning and technology demonstrations. Students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade in the greater Washington, D.C. region will have the chance to participate in live demonstrations with the help of students who learned to program in the Minecraft Education portal.
Highlighting Inequities in STEM
Although there have been significant diversity milestones in space exploration, women still represent only 20% of the space workforce. Black and Hispanic professionals remain underrepresented in STEM professions. Of the entire STEM workforce, a total of 24% are members of an underrepresented minority group.
Microsoft and NASA’s partnership seeks to address these inequities head on. Microsoft’s Steve Kitay said, “Our collaboration with NASA allows us to provide new and exciting opportunities for students of all backgrounds to explore the space industry and related technologies. One of the key purposes of Azure Space is to bring space, cloud computing, and other new technologies to the next generation – particularly those that might not otherwise have the opportunity.”
Featured Sessions at Space Education Day
Space Education Day will feature several sessions, including Microsoft Space Camps and an Azure Space Hackathon. College students will showcase their experience and technology using NASA satellite imagery and Microsoft’s AI capabilities. Partners will discuss the goals and objectives of the NASA Space Accelerator program to connect minority-serving institutions to mentorship and funding opportunities from NASA and Microsoft.
Reaching for the Stars
Technology and the power of space can be used as a powerful tool to inspire, prepare and engage people of all ages and backgrounds. Microsoft and NASA are committed to developing high-impact initiatives and educational resources that promote STEM education for all. Mike Kincaid, associate administrator for NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, said, “Our next generation of innovators need opportunities and resources that engage the Artemis Generation to reach for the moon and beyond. Investing in our students from all backgrounds today will build a diverse workforce that will ultimately achieve future breakthroughs in space.”
By continuing to integrate Microsoft technologies with NASA’s missions, data and expertise, it is our goal to broaden the ecosystem of STEM and empower our future workforce to explore the endless boundaries of space. As Mike Kincaid said, “Investing in our students from all backgrounds today will build a diverse workforce that will ultimately achieve future breakthroughs in space.”
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From the The Official Microsoft Blog
