Education to Inspire the Next Generation Explorers

	Center Direct Al Diaz addresses attendees of Minority University for a Principal Investigator Conference.

In the continuing effort to "Inspire the next generation of explorers as only NASA can," Goddard was the host to representatives of 18 Minority University for a Principal Investigator Conference. The two-day conference was convened for minority universities as a briefing about NASA/Goddard's current missions and future endeavors. The gathering was also an opportunity to provide a helping hand for these universities as they attempt to acquire NASA project grants.

The Chief of the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs Dillard Menchan opened the conference by introducing Center Director Al Diaz to the group. During his remarks the center director said, "This was an opportune time for you as NASA is recommitting to education and human capital. "We need efforts like this to develop the men and women needed to support future NASA missions," said Diaz. He also said that there has been a 50 percent reduction of aerospace engineers in the last 10 years. "Our plan at Goddard is to have an impact to inspire the next generation of explores as only NASA can," Diaz added.

	Dillard Menchan giving overview of Goddard University Programs

Menchan then gave the overview of the Goddard Minority University Programs and answered questions posed to him by the attendees. "We want to be interactive and help you help us," Menchan told the group. "We are anxious to see you succeed," he added.

In addition, Dr. Robert Gabrys of Goddard's Education Programs Officer gave an overview of the educational programs and Goddard's areas of focus, Earth Science, Space Science and Technology. Presentations by school participants were given during the second day of the conference. The group was provided with various administrated presentations to give the participants a knowledge basis, which they could use to develop a successful program at their school.

"The heart and soul of Goddard is science and technology," Diaz stated. "We want you to have a full understanding of just what we do so that you will be able to understand our needs," Diaz concluded to the group.

Photos by Chris Gunn/293