NASA Hispanic Scholarship Fund Recipients Visit Goddard
By Tomeika Blackwell

On Thursday, October 23, 2003, Goddard hosted 10 recipients of the 10th annual NASA Hispanic College Fund. The students came to Goddard to learn more about space exploration and how their current field of study correlates to this mission.

The recipients of the $500,000 scholarship came from different colleges and universities all over the United States. Their education background is comprised of assorted majors such as: biochemistry, mathematics, engineering and etc. The students were chosen based on their outstanding academics and devotion to science, math, engineering, and technology.

Their day began with a breakfast reception facilitated by Dr. Antoinette Wells, Education Support Specialist. Wells spoke of how NASA only attracts the best and the brightest. "If working at NASA is truly your dream, I encourage you (the students) to continue and to stay focus," said Wells. The students later took a tour of Goddard facilities to learn more about the missions and capabilities here.

Photos by Pat Izzo/293
	Al Diaz addresses hispanic scholars.

The center director also gave the students a welcome address. He told the students that he was pleased and honored to be speaking to such an exceptional group. "I am happy you are thinking about careers that will engage in space exploration," said Diaz. "I believe you would enjoy working at Goddard because it is an environment of inclusion and respect."

Dan Krieger, Hispanic Employment Program Manager, completed presentations for the day with a brief synopsis of career path opportunities at Goddard. They include internships, CO-OP positions and the NASA Academy. He stressed the significance of communicating with a school internship coordinator to learn more about partnership that may be already established between the school and NASA. If not, Krieger advised the students to visit NASA's website to download information on how to apply to the various programs.

Karen Toribio, a biology major who attends Loyola University in New Orleans said, "I loved the tour. I got to see the $40,000 astronaut gloves that where actually worn on a space flight mission. This visit confirmed my goal to work at NASA."

Adriana Rico attends the University of Georgia pursuing a degree in microbiology with a minor in French said, "The tour was fabulous; the staff at Goddard supplied me with information that will transcend in my education. This visit has truly inspired me to purse my dream of becoming a medical doctor and to help NASA lean more about the recent bacteria found on Mars."

According to Dr. Clifford W. Houston, NASA's Deputy Associate Administer, "These students represent the next generation of scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and technologists, and their dreams of exploring new worlds should not go unrealized."