Press Release: United Launch Alliance CEO Lends Leadership to the Advisory Board for The Mars Generation Nonprofit

October 3, 2017 By groundcontrol Leave a Comment

Salvatore T. Tory Bruno president and chief executive for United Launch Alliance (ULA)

United Launch Alliance (ULA) President and Chief Executive Tory Bruno

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA , UNITED STATES, October 3, 2017 / — United Launch Alliance (ULA) President and Chief Executive Tory Bruno joins The Mars Generation (TMG) as a leading member of the advisory board. In support of a common mission to further deep space and interplanetary exploration, Bruno will apply his extensive industry background to help guide board objectives and advocate for the non-profit organization as an advisory board member.

“Serving on the advisory board of The Mars Generation is an incredible honor,” said Bruno of the election. “There is no better way to build a pipeline of enthusiastic and capable young people for tomorrow’s jobs than to work directly with an organization devoted to cultivating the next generation of space explorers and the teams of brilliant minds needed to support them.”

The Mars Generation operates several core programs including the Future of Space Outreach Program, the Space Camp Scholarship Program and the Student Space Ambassador Leadership Program (SSA). All programs focus on reaching the mission of The Mars Generation which is to excite young people and adults about human space exploration and STEM/STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) education and foster an understanding of the importance of these two elements to the future of humankind on Earth.

“With the extensive and diverse background of our advisory board, The Mars Generation continues to be innovators in the nonprofit, STEAM and space sectors,” said Abigail Harrison, TMG founder and board chair. “We are leveraging technology to reach a large international audience to truly cultivate their passion for STEAM education and space exploration.”

About The Mars Generation
The Mars Generation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the United States. The organization is volunteer-driven with a board of directors that includes astronauts, engineers, scientists and professionals from the nonprofit and business communities. With a reach of more than 25 million people in the organization’s first two years of operation and more than 1,200 students from around the world participating in its Student Space Ambassador program, over 450 donors, 1,000 members and several space industry sponsors in place, the organization continues to grow and offer programs to excite and educate students and adults about the importance of human space exploration and STEAM education.

About United Launch Alliance
With more than a century of combined heritage, United Launch Alliance is the nation’s most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 115 satellites to orbit that aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, provide critical capabilities for troops in the field and enable personal device-based GPS navigation.

For more information on The Mars Generation go to: TheMarsGeneration.org

Yvonne Hundshamer
The Mars Generation
612-670-0337
groundsupport@themarsgeneration.org

Press Release: “Embracing the Future” Youth Conference invites the 20-Year-Old Founder of The Mars Generation to Istanbul, Turkey

September 27, 2017 By groundcontrol Leave a Comment

International space and science ambassador to speak with student leaders from over 57 countries to foster excitement for space exploration and STEAM education

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, UNITED STATES, September 27, 2017 / — Abigail Harrison, also known as Astronaut Abby, a 20-year-old aspiring astronaut and international ambassador for space exploration and science, technology, education, arts, and math (STEAM) education has been invited by the Al Sharq Youth Forum to represent The Mars Generation nonprofit at their Annual ‘Embracing the Future’ Conference in Istanbul, Turkey October 7- October 8, 2017. Harrison will appear as a guest speaker to talk about her own journey toward becoming an astronaut and being the first person to step on Mars. She will also share the story about The Mars Generation, a nonprofit founded by Harrison that is dedicated to advancing space exploration and STEAM education.

The Al Sharq ‘Embracing the Future’ Conference is an opportunity for hundreds of young leaders from around the world to find dynamic solutions to pressing issues facing the world today. Over 800 participants, including more than 60 experts, academics, policy-makers, current and former elected officials, and journalists will gather in peer learning and best practice sessions. The goal of the two-day event is to create an awareness among youth and youth leadership for both practical and programmatic approaches to navigating a constantly changing world. The agenda for the event includes workshops, competitions, performances, and more from across cultures.

“It is an honor to be invited to the Al Sharq ‘Embracing the Future’ Conference and see first-hand the commitment of young leaders from around the world to creating positive change” said Harrison. “Getting humans to Mars is something that will require collaboration among nations, and I am delighted to be able to share my own story as well as speak about The Mars Generation’s work to invite people of all ages and all interests into the conversation about space exploration.”

It is an honor to be invited to the Al Sharq ‘Embracing the Future’ Conference and see first-hand the commitment of young leaders from around the world to creating positive change.”— Abigail ‘Astronaut Abby’ Harrison

Currently with an audience of more than one million fans and followers, Harrison is recognized as a leader in her generation, the Mars generation – identified as the generation expected to first step foot on Mars in the mid 2030’s.

Emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in the field of space exploration and inspiring youth toward a future in STEAM and space, the Al Sharq Forum has invited the 20-year-old aspiring astronaut to:

Be a Guest Speaker in a Spotlight segment titled “The Mars Generation.”
Participate in a diverse variety of sessions including several keynote speeches, dialogues and panels that are aimed at broadening the outlook of the participants in several topics.
Offer hope to young leaders and encourage them to find dynamic solutions to the pressing issues facing the world today.
Tour Turkey and see local history and attractions to gain an understanding of the culture and people.

For real time updates of Harrison’s unprecedented tour of Turkey as an international space and STEAM ambassador from October 6- October 10, 2017 follow the hashtag #TMGtoursTurkey on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

About Abigail Harrison
Harrison is the founder of The Mars Generation nonprofit. Currently a junior at Wellesley College in Massachusetts majoring in Astrobiology and Russian, Harrison is positioned to enter a PhD program upon graduation and continue her pursuit of becoming an astronaut and member of the first human crew to land on Mars in the 2030’s. Supporters around the world follow her journey to becoming an astronaut via the blog Harrison authors at AstronautAbby.org and on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

About The Mars Generation
The Mars Generation is a 501(c)(3) international nonprofit founded in 2015 in the United States. The organization offers programs to excite and educate students and adults about the importance of human space exploration and STEAM education. The organization is volunteer-driven with a board of directors that includes astronauts, engineers, scientists and professionals from the nonprofit and business communities. The organization has had tremendous growth in the first two years of operation with more than one million followers on social media and a reach of more than 25 million people.

About the Al Sharq Forum
The Al Sharq Forum is an independent international network whose mission is to develop long-term strategies to ensure the political development, social justice, and economic prosperity of the people of the Al-Sharq region located in the Middle East. The Al Sharq Forum reaches its mission through public-spirited research and high-quality events, promoting the ideals of democratic participation, multi-stakeholder dialogue and social justice.

For more information on The Mars Generation go to: TheMarsGeneration.org

Yvonne Hundshamer
The Mars Generation
612-670-0337
groundsupport@themarsgeneration.org

Press Release: The Mars Generation Announces Selection of Student Space Ambassador Leadership Program Advisory Board Members

September 18, 2017 By groundcontrol 1 Comment

Jake Voorhees – SSA Board Member

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, UNITED STATES, September 18, 2017 / — The Mars Generation (TMG) is pleased to announce the selection of the newest members of the Student Space Ambassador Leadership Program Advisory Board. The board members represent a partnership between students and professional leaders from the nonprofit, education and business sectors.

De Lin Show – SSA Board Member

The focus of the advisory board will be to continue to grow and strengthen the Student Space Ambassador Leadership Program (SSA). The SSA Advisory Board will help lead efforts to build a stronger tomorrow by energizing youth today about science, technology, engineering, arts, math (STEAM) and space while also educating youth and adults about the importance of both to humankind.

“With the extensive and diverse background of our student and professional board members, the SSA Advisory Board has the unique opportunity to reach a large, international audience of students and to truly cultivate their passion for STEAM education,” said Brittany Wedd, SSA board chair. “As a board, we will be utilizing our many talents and skills to augment the resources and programs that we offer to our Student Space Ambassadors.”

The SSA Advisory Board is comprised of the following professionals and students:

Brittany Wedd – Board Chair – Director of Operations Discovery Station Nonprofit
Morgan Irons – Vice Co-Chair – CSO of Deep Space Ecology
Jeff Herold – Board Member – STEM Educator and Solar System Ambassador (NASA)
Danny Jaques – Board Member – Instructional Resource and Data Specialist and Teacher Liaison Officer U.S. Space Foundation
Mike Johnson – Board Member – Pilot and workforce development expert
Emily Judd – Secretary – Student at the University of Michigan
Hayley Lewis – Board Member – Student at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
De Lin Show – Board Member – Student and Teaching Assistant
Aaron Shepard – Board Member – Student at Clemson University
Jake Voorhees – Board Member – Civil Engineer and founder of the 1% Engineer Society

Aaron Shepard – SSA Board Member

On his inspiration for joining The Mars Generation’s SSA Advisory Board, Aaron Shepard states, “Humanity landed on the moon because society insisted on it. The human race must continue to demand that we travel deeper into the cosmos if we want to land on worlds that are even further away. It is our goal to encourage this next generation to do just that.”

About The Mars Generation Student Space Ambassador Leadership Program
The Mars Generation Student Space Ambassador Leadership Program was created to inspire, support and mentor the next generation of leaders in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) and the space-related industries. The program serves as a mentorship and leadership program for students as well as a workforce development and recruiting program for both STEAM and space industries. The Mars Generation Student Space Ambassador Leadership Program has been credited as a major force for bringing forth our future leaders in STEAM and Space.

About The Mars Generation
The Mars Generation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the United States. The organization is volunteer-driven with a board of directors that includes astronauts, engineers, scientists and professionals from the nonprofit and business communities. With a reach of more than 25 million people in the organization’s first two years of operation, over one million followers on social media, over 1200 students from around the world participating in its Student Space Ambassador Leadership program, over 600 donors, 850 members and several space industry sponsors in place, the organization continues to grow and offer programs to excite and educate students and adults about the importance of human space exploration and STEAM education.

For more information on The Mars Generation go to: TheMarsGeneration.org

Yvonne Hundshamer
The Mars Generation
612-670-0337
groundsupport@themarsgeneration.org

FINAL Founding TMG Membership Campaign: Get your limited edition patch today!

August 13, 2017 By groundcontrol Leave a Comment

This is your last chance to become a founding member of The Mars Generation. Don’t miss this opportunity!

It’s The Mars Generation’s FINAL founding membership campaign! Hurry and sign up today to get one of our 2 year anniversary patches! These patches are a limited edition and when they are gone they are gone! So don’t delay – sign up now to ensure you get one!

We have a goal of reaching 1,000 members by our 2nd anniversary! We only need 240 more people to reach this goal! You can help us reach this goal! Sign up today!

To reach our 1,000 founding member goal we need your help NOW! Earn the title of “Founding Member” for this inspirational, educational non-profit and join us today to receive a member t-shirt and our limited edition patch (when they are gone they are gone)!

Why join The Mars Generation as a founding membership TODAY?

GET AWESOME SPACE SWAG NOW FOR SIGNING UP INCLUDING:

limited-edition patch that is only available to people who sign up
Exclusive Dream Big! TMG Member T-shirt (super soft ringspun cotton)
TMG magnet and stickers
Founding member card (yes, it’s laminated!)

YOU ALSO GET A BUNCH OF AWESOME PERKS YEAR ROUND (CLICK HERE TO LEARN ABOUT THEM!

Your membership supports our outreach work and programs that have already reached millions and will continue to grow. We work to inspire today’s youth to become tomorrow’s leaders in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) and space exploration as well as inspire everyone to Dream Big, Act Big and Inspire Others. We are also working, through our mass outreach, to educate and excite people about human space exploration and why we need to send humans to Mars. This outreach is essential to driving public interest and funding for all space exploration.

Press Release: Recruiting Students and Professionals to Join as Members of The Mars Generation SSA Board

June 16, 2017 By groundcontrol Leave a Comment

Space Advocacy Group Matches Students to Industry Mentors for Leadership of STEAM Workforce Program

MINNEAPOLIS, MN, UNITED STATES, June 15, 2017 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Mars Generation (TMG) announces an exciting opportunity to shape the future of their popular Student Space Ambassador Leadership Program (SSA).

The Mars Generation is seeking students and professionals who believe in their philosophy to Dream Big, Act Big and Inspire Others, to apply to the SSA Board. Both students and professional mentors can help lead efforts to build a stronger tomorrow by energizing youth today about science, technology, engineering, arts, math (STEAM) and space while also educating kids and adults about the importance of both to humankind.

“The stars inspire us to reach for our own dreams, no matter what that dream is. When you pursue a dream you need a lot of help.” stated Captain Wendy Lawrence, TMG Board member, Naval Aviator and NASA Astronaut.

The Mars Generation Student Space Ambassador Leadership Program includes students and professionals working together to help each other while applying their skills and passion to strengthening and expanding the SSA and the programs offered. The one-to-one ratio of the SSA advisory board encourages “leading from within” with one professional mentor position for every student, to provide guidance and help students grow their leadership skills.

The Mars Generation reaches a broad audience, creating a groundswell of support for space exploration and compelling funding of space exploration benefitting the future of the Mars generation. Board members will have exciting opportunities to collaborate with many other space and STEAM organizations while strengthening and growing the SSA and programs offered.

The Mars Generation is volunteer-driven with executive and advisory boards of leaders from the space industry as well as nonprofit, education and business sectors. Whether you are a space industry professional, teacher, or a student with an interest in STEAM… regardless of your job title or area of study, if you are interested in joining The Mars Generation as a member of the SSA advisory board, apply now.

The Mars Generation Student Space Ambassador Leadership program was created to inspire, support and mentor the next generation of leaders in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) and the space-related industries. The program serves as a mentorship and leadership program for students as well as a workforce development and recruiting program for both STEAM and space industries. The Mars Generation Student Space Ambassador Leadership program has been credited as a major force for bringing forth our future leaders in STEAM and Space.

About The Mars Generation
The Mars Generation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the United States. The organization is volunteer-driven with a board of directors that includes astronauts, engineers, scientists and professionals from the nonprofit and business communities. With a reach of more than 10 million people in the organization’s first year of operation and more than 1200 students from around the world participating in its Student Space Ambassador program, over 600 donors, 650 members and several space industry sponsors in place, the organization continues to grow and offer programs to excite and educate students and adults about the importance of human space exploration and STEAM education.

For more information on The Mars Generation go to: TheMarsGeneration.org

Yvonne Hundshamer
The Mars Generation
612-670-0337
groundsupport@themarsgeneration.org

What is The Mars Generation?

Join The Mars Generation’s Space Coast Marathon Team

June 16, 2017 By groundcontrol Leave a Comment

We are so excited to announce that we have created a team for the Space Coast Marathon and Half Marathon on November 26, 2017! You can join us and our leader Astronaut Abby by joining our team today!

As a member of our team, you’ll help raise money for The Mars Generation while also raising awareness for space and STEM education. By committing to run the Space Coast Marathon (or any other race in your area), you’ll be a member who is active (literally and figuratively) in trying to make a difference.

If you agree to raise at least $500 for The Mars Generation, you’ll be added to our team. As a team member you will receive coaching and fundraising support as well as receive a uber cool team running shirt and a chance to win prizes as well! You will also get to be a part of a great group of people running to make a difference in the world! The half-marathon is sold out, but we have 10 spots left on our team! Act now so you don’t miss out on this great opportunity.

The Space Coast Marathon and Half Marathon is a fun and unique marathon that is held in Cocoa Beach, Florida each year. By joining our team, you’ll be able to run Florida’s oldest marathon during the last year of their “Big Bang Series” program. This program was created to honor the Space Shuttle Program and the accomplishments and sacrifices of all those involved by giving out astronomical themed medals. For 2017, the last year in the “Big Bang Series,” the shuttle honored is Atlantis.

You can get more information about the Space Coast marathon and half marathon here. This is the only space-themed marathon and half marathon on the planet, which truly makes it exciting. Please consider joining us in November!

For more information on how to join our team and even more prizes you can win for fundraising click here: http://themarsgeneration.org/team-mars-generation/

If you can’t join us in November but want to donate follow this link: https://www.givemn.org/fundraiser/space-coast-marathon-fundraiser-to-send-kids-to-space-camp58d888f906ac2

Meet NASA’s Newest Class of Astronaut Candidates

June 9, 2017 By groundcontrol Leave a Comment

The Mars Generation would like to congratulate the newest class of NASA astronaut candidates! NASA received a record-breaking amount of applications (over 18,300!) and has selected 12 women and men as the agency’s new astronaut candidates. Please scroll to the bottom of this post to review the names of the astronaut candidates.

With many people asking what the selection process is like and how one can become an astronaut the best advice we can give is to read the post written by our leader, Astronaut Abby and also visit NASA’s website for more information. Another way to get a feel for what it takes to become an astronaut is to read the biographies of NASA astronauts. You can find the candidates biographies linked below and from their visit other astronaut biographies on the NASA website.

The 2017 astronaut candidates will go to Johnson Space Center in August to begin two years of intense training. Once they finish training and upon acceptance into the NASA astronaut corps they could then be assigned to a variety of missions, including: performing research on the International Space Station, launching from American soil on spacecraft built by commercial companies, and departing for deep space missions on NASA’s new Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System rocket.

Applicants included U.S. citizens in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories Puerto Rico, Guam, and American Samoa. The talented women and men selected for the new astronaut class represent the diversity of America and the career paths that can lead to a place in America’s astronaut corps.

The 2017 astronaut candidates are:

Kayla Barron, 29, Lt., U.S. Navy, is originally from Richland, Washington. She graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a bachelor’s degree in systems engineering. A Gates Cambridge Scholar, Barron earned a master’s degree in nuclear engineering from the University of Cambridge. As a submarine warfare officer, Barron was a member of the first class of women commissioned into the submarine community. She’ll come to NASA from the U.S. Naval Academy, where she has been serving as the flag aide to the Superintendent.

Zena Cardman, 29, calls Williamsburg, Virginia, home. She completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Master of Science in Marine Sciences at The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Cardman is currently a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow working on her doctorate at The Pennsylvania State University. Her research has focused on microorganisms in subsurface environments, ranging from caves to deep sea sediments. Her field experience includes multiple Antarctic expeditions, work aboard research vessels as both scientist and crew, and NASA analog missions in British Columbia, Idaho and Hawaii.

Raja Chari, 39, Lt. Col., U.S. Air Force, hails from Waterloo, Iowa. He graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy with bachelor’s degrees in astronautical engineering and engineering science. He continued on to earn a master’s degree in aeronautics and astronautics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and graduated from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School. Chari has been serving as the commander of the 461st Flight Test Squadron and the director of the F-35 Integrated Test Force at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

Matthew Dominick, 35, Lt. Cmdr., U.S. Navy, was born and raised in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of San Diego and a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School. He also graduated from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School. Dominick was at sea on the USS Ronald Reagan, serving as department head for Strike Fighter Squadron 115, when he got the call saying he’d been selected as an astronaut candidate.

Bob Hines, 42, considers Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, his hometown. He graduated from Boston University with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering. From there, he went on to graduate from the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, and then the University of Alabama, where he earned a master’s degree in aerospace engineering. He has served in the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserves for 18 years. For the last five years, Hines has served as a NASA research pilot at Johnson.

Warren “Woody” Hoburg, 31, is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He earned a bachelor’s degree in aeronautics and astronautics from MIT. He continued on to earn a doctorate in electrical engineering and computer science from the University of California, Berkeley. He is a private pilot and has extensive experience with wilderness search and rescue efforts. Hoburg will come to NASA from MIT, where he currently is leading a research group as an assistant professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Dr. Jonny Kim, 33, Lt., U.S. Navy, was born and raised in Los Angeles. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy, then trained and operated as a Navy SEAL, completing more than 100 combat operations and earning a Silver Star and Bronze Star with Combat V. Afterward, he went on to complete a degree in mathematics at the University of San Diego and a doctorate of medicine at Harvard Medical School. Kim is a resident physician in emergency medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Robb Kulin, 33, hails from Anchorage, Alaska. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Denver before going on to complete a master’s degree in materials science and a doctorate in engineering at the University of California, San Diego. He has previous experience as an ice driller in Antarctica on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet and Taylor Glaciers, and as a commercial fisherman in Chignik, Alaska. Since 2011, Kulin has worked for SpaceX in Hawthorne, California, where he leads the Launch Chief Engineering group.

Jasmin Moghbeli, 33, Maj., U.S. Marine Corps, considers Baldwin, New York, her hometown. She earned a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering with information technology at MIT, followed by a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School. She also is a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School. Moghbeli currently tests H-1 helicopters and serves as the quality assurance and avionics officer for Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 in Yuma, Arizona.

Loral O’Hara, 34, calls Sugar Land, Texas, home. She earned a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering at the University of Kansas and a master’s degree in aeronautics and astronautics from Purdue University. As a student, she participated in NASA’s KC-135 Reduced Gravity Student Flight Opportunities Program, the NASA Academy at the agency’s Goddard Space Flight Center, and the internship program at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. O’Hara is currently a research engineer at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Woods Hole, Massachusetts.

Dr. Francisco “Frank” Rubio, 41, Maj., U.S. Army, is originally from Miami. He earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and a doctorate of medicine from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. Rubio has accumulated more than 1,100 hours of flight time in helicopters, including 600 hours of combat and imminent danger time. He’s currently serving as a surgeon for the 3rd Battalion of the Army’s 10th Special Forces Group at Fort Carson, Colorado.

Jessica Watkins, 29, hails from Lafayette, Colorado. She graduated from Stanford University with a bachelor’s degree in geological and environmental sciences, then went on to earn a doctorate in geology from the University of California, Los Angeles. Watkins has worked at NASA’s Ames Research Center and Jet Propulsion Laboratory and currently is a postdoctoral fellow at the California Institute of Technology, where she collaborates on the Mars Science Laboratory rover, Curiosity.

Congratulations again to all these men and women!

Find photos and additional information about the new astronaut candidates at:

https://www.nasa.gov/2017Astronauts

Press Release: The Mars Generation Launches 24 Under 24: Leaders and Innovators in STEAM and Space Annual Awards Program

April 26, 2017 By groundcontrol Leave a Comment

MINNEAPOLIS, MN, UNITED STATES, April 20, 2017 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Mars Generation is now accepting nominations for their newly launched 24 Under 24: Leaders and Innovators in STEAM and Space annual awards program. The awards aim to recognize exceptional students and young people ages 24 and under around the world who are making a difference in the world through science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics (STEAM) and/or space.

Abigail Harrison, the 19-year-old founder and leader of The Mars Generation says, “Voicing my dream to become an astronaut and part of the first crew to Mars has opened me up to many amazing experiences. This recognition program for young leaders is part of my work to inspire other young people to pursue their dreams and passions.”

“This recognition program for young leaders is part of my work to inspire other young people to pursue their dreams and passions.”

— Abigail Harrison

Nominations will be accepted through October 15, 2017 for students and young people meeting the following requirements:

Must be age 24 or under.
Can be from anywhere in the world.
Must be involved in any project or work within STEAM and/or space. This includes but is not limited to outreach work, publishing papers, speaking, research, competitions, inventions, innovation – projects that underscore leadership in STEAM and/or space exploration.

The nomination form can be found online at http://themarsgeneration.org/steam-space-awards. The 24 Under 24 Leaders and Innovators in STEAM and Space award recipients will be announced in December 2017. All students and young people are encouraged to join the TMG Student Space Ambassador Leadership program at no cost. Space Camp scholarships are also available to qualified young individuals.

Harrison was recognized as one of Ford and Huffington Post’s 20 Under 20 Next Generation of STEAM Pioneers for 2016. It was receiving this honor that inspired Harrison to build a space focused awards program through The Mars Generation. A tireless advocate for space exploration, Harrison is popularly known as ‘Astronaut Abby’ and delivers keynote addresses at school and community events, hosts web chats, and writes for science, space and mainstream publications as part of The Mars Generation’s Future of Space outreach program.

United Launch Alliance (ULA), will sponsor the Awards during 2017. ULA’s three families of launch vehicles – Atlas V, Delta II, and Delta IV – provide space launch services to NASA as well as other U.S. agencies.

About The Mars Generation

The Mars Generation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the United States founded by Abigail ‘Astronaut Abby’ Harrison. The organization is volunteer-driven with a board of directors that includes astronauts, engineers, scientists and professionals from the nonprofit and business communities. With a reach of more than 10 million people in the organization’s first year of operation and more than 1000 students from around the world participating in its Student Space Ambassador program, over 600 donors, 650 members and several space industry sponsors in place, the organization continues to grow and offer programs to excite and educate students and adults about the importance of human space exploration and STEAM education.

For more information on The Mars Generation go to: TheMarsGeneration.org
Yvonne Hundshamer
The Mars Generation
612-670-0337
email us here

What is The Mars Generation?

The Mars Generation 2017 Space Camp Scholarship Winners Announced

April 15, 2017 By groundcontrol Leave a Comment

It is with great excitement that we announce our 2017 TMG Space Camp Scholarship winners. We have selected a talented group of students from around the United States to attend Space Camp USA this summer. Our scholarship program is very competitive as it provides full paid scholarships (including transportation) for students lacking economic resources to attend Space Camp. We are also excited to announce our TMG Colombian Chapter, Santa Marta, will also be sending students again this year.

In 2016, we sent our first 12 scholarship winners to Space Camp and the program was a great success. We look forward to the 2017 TMG Space Camp Scholarship recipients attending Space Camp and sharing their experiences through the community-centered projects they proposed to receive the scholarship. We have listed each of the 2017 winners below with the title and focus of their project. We hope you will follow along with their progress by liking us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and also signing up for email updates.

If you would like to donate to our Space Camp Scholarship program and help support sending these students to space camp, please visit our donation page.

Name: Alier A.
Location: Wisconsin
Favorite School Subjects: Math and Composition
Post Secondary Education Plans: Master’s Degree in Engineering

Scholarship Project Title and Description: You only Shine as Bright as You Choose to. This project is meant to display the importance of Space Camp to minorities.

Name: Candy M.
Location: New York
Favorite School Subjects: English, Math and Science
Post Secondary Education Plans: After high school, Candy plans on attending a university and earning her bachelor’s degree. She aspires to become an astronaut someday.

Scholarship Project Title and Description: What Is The Use of A Satellite. Candy’s project will reach both students and staff from her science club.

Name: Merary M.
Location: California
Favorite School Subjects: Psychology and Biology
Post Secondary Education Plans: After graduating high school Merary plans on attending a university and majoring in biology, preferably marine biology. She hopes to either join or start her own marine life conservation group.

Scholarship Project Title and Description: Space Kids Help Kids. Merary’s project will teach kids from various schools ages eleven through fourteen about the importance of taking advantages of joining the many programs that focus on STEM such as The Mars Generation.

Name: Milagro G.
Location: California
Favorite School Subject: History
Post Secondary Education Plans: Milagro has her eye on several colleges including UC Berkeley or the University of Southern California. She aspires to become an engineer, an astronaut, or a lawyer.

Scholarship Project Title and Description: The Future Through My Eyes. The project will be presented to 8th and 9th graders to encourage them to pursue activities in science and math with an emphasis on space travel.

Name: Moshtaha B.
Location: Illinois
Favorite School Subjects: Science, History and P.E.
Post Secondary Education Plans: After graduation, Moshtaha plans on going to a college and majoring in either astronomy, engineering, law, or the medical field. Her career goals are to either become an astronomer, biomedical engineer, lawyer, archeologist, or neurologist.

Scholarship Project Title and Description: Space Camp Adventures. The project will reach out to children in her community who will be the first in their family to graduate and go to college.

Name: Oliver Y.
Location: Michigan
Favorite School Subjects: Physics and Math
Post Secondary Education Plans: Oliver aspires to become an astronaut or a physicist for NASA or a private space company (Space X).

Scholarship Project Title and Description: Project Interstellar. To inspire elementary, middle and high school students to be excited about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) and join The Mars Generation.

Name: Rani J.
Location: California
Favorite School Subjects: Math, Science, Biology, and Chemistry
Post Secondary Education Plans: Rani plans to attend college and study digital arts and computer science, as well as software engineering 3D designer for either video game companies or movie productions.

Scholarship Project Title and Description: The Next Generation of Travel. This project will reach students in Rani’s community between the ages 10 – 16.

Name: Reese W.
Location: Florida
Favorite School Subjects: Math, Science, and History
Post Secondary Education Plans: Reece plans on attending a 4-year college and getting his aerospace engineering degree.

Scholarship Project Title and Description: Tomorrows Explorers. This project will reach students who want to get a career in a field of STEM or want to learn more about it.

Name: Tanise M.
Location: California
Favorite School Subjects: Biology and Math
Post Secondary Education Plans: After graduating high school Tanise plans on attending UCLA. She aspires to become either an astronaut, autopilot, anthropologist and/or a marine biologist.

Scholarship Project Title and Description: Luna. The project will reach the members of all ages at Tanise’s church.

Press Release: New Advisory Board Formed For The Mars Generation Student Space Ambassador Leadership Program

April 7, 2017 By groundcontrol Leave a Comment

New Advisory Board Formed For The Mars Generation Student Space Ambassador Leadership Program

INNOVATIVE LEAD FROM WITHIN MODEL WILL EMPOWER STUDENTS TO LEAD WITH PROFESSIONAL MENTORS

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, USA, April 6, 2017 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Mars Generation (TMG) is thrilled to announce the most recent initiative to grow their popular Student Space Ambassador Leadership Program (SSA). An advisory board with a focus on encouraging “leading from within” has been formed and will include students and professionals working together to expand and strengthen the SSA. The TMG SSA Advisory Board will be an opportunity for student leaders to grow into leadership roles within The Mars Generation and apply their skills and passion to strengthening and expanding the programs offered.

The new SSA advisory board is being launched with two inspiring leaders. Morgan Irons, a senior at Duke University majoring in Environmental Science and Biology, has an impressive student leadership resume and will serve as co-chair with Mike Johnson. As a leader in the aviation industry, Johnson has an established track record of implementing aviation programs to give inner-city students a chance to experience flying. Irons and Johnson have joined forces to build this advisory board to strengthen and grow The Mars Generation Student Space Ambassador Leadership program.

“The focus of The Mars Generation Student Space BoardAmbassador Leadership program is to excite young people about space and STEAM education and inspire students to create their own opportunities to excel in their future,” said advisory board co-chair Irons. “I am looking forward

Morgan Irons, Co-Chair SSA Advisory Board

to helping The Mars Generation grow this program and inspire students around the world to dream big and make those dreams a reality.” The Mars Generation Student Space Ambassador Leadership program was created to inspire, support and mentor the next generation of leaders in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) and the space-related industries. The program serves as a mentorship and leadership program for students as well as a workforce development and recruiting program for both STEAM and space industries. The Mars Generation Student Space Ambassador Leadership program has been credited as a major force for bringing forth our future leaders in STEAM and Space.

Mike Johnson, Co-Chair SSA Advisory Board

“The need for programs such as The Mars Generation’s SSA program is essential for our industries’ growth,” stated Kent Rominger, TMG Board member and VicePresident at Orbital ATK. “Being able to mentor, support, and encourage students to pursue the education and skills necessary to support the future of the STEAM and space industries is an exciting opportunity for The Mars Generation.”

True to The Mars Generation’s philosophy to Dream Big, Act Big and Inspire Others, Irons and Johnson launch the new board with several impressive initiatives:

1. Recruiting students and professionals to join as members of the board. The one-to-one ration is unique with one professional mentor position for every student, to provide guidance and help students grow their leadership skills.

2. 24 Under 24: Leaders and Innovators in STEAM and Space annual awards program. This is a new initiative that includes a public nomination process, judging, and annual awards to the selected 24 leaders to be recognized.

3. Aviation Scholarship Program: This new initiative, to cover introductory flights for students to give them a chance to fly, will launch in the fall of 2017. The goal is to show students the sky is not the limit and give them inspiration to dream big and pursue their goals.

4. Program development to include future rewards and recognition for student space ambassadors to inspire their work, curriculum and resource development for program and ongoing program support for growth and expansion.

About The Mars Generation

The Mars Generation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the United States. The organization is volunteer-driven with a board of directors that includes astronauts, engineers, scientists and professionals from the nonprofit and business communities. With a reach of more than 10 million people in the organization’s first year of operation and more than 1000 students from around the world participating in its Student Space Ambassador program, over 600 donors, 650 members and several space industry sponsors in place, the organization continues to grow and offer programs to excite and educate students and adults about the importance of human space exploration and STEAM education.

For more information on The Mars Generation go to: TheMarsGeneration.org

Media Contact:

Yvonne Hundshamer
The Mars Generation
612-670-0337
groundsupport@themarsgeneration.org

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New Advisory Board Formed For The Mars Generation Student Space Ambassador Leadership Program