The Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems’ (PISCES) 2017 STARS (STEM Aerospace Research Scholars) Program, a summer workshop for high school women exploring space exploration, astronomy and engineering, will receive a $5,000 sponsorship from the High Technology Development Corp. (HTDC).
“We’re very grateful for this generous award from HTDC,” said Rodrigo Romo, PISCES program manager. “The STARS Program is a great way for young women to learn what kind of careers are possible by pursuing STEM. Thanks to HTDC’s sponsorship, we can expand the 2017 STARS activities and continue offering it to students for free.”
STARS is a week-long, summer educational experience designed to encourage participants to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and related fields. Participating students engage in hands-on activities and presentations conducted by local experts, spanning the dawn of celestial navigation techniques by Polynesian voyagers to the future of human space colonization. The workshop also includes presentations and tours at Hawaiʻi’s world-class astronomy facilities, and a mock lunar mission with a real-life planetary rover.
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“HTDC is proud to support the STARS Program to help inspire Hawaiʻi’s young women to get involved in science and technology,” said Robbie Melton, HTDC CEO and executive director. “The program also supports HTDC’s 80/80 Initiative to increase the number of well-paying high tech jobs in Hawaiʻi, and aligns with other key programs like TechHire Hawaiʻi and the Neighbor Island Innovation Initiative (NI3).”
PISCES, a Hawaiʻi State aerospace agency, launched STARS in 2014, offering the program every summer with a growing number of participants. The program aims to address the existing gender gap in science and engineering-related career fields, while growing Hawaiʻi’s technology and innovation sector by inspiring local youth to pursue related careers.
In addition to HTDC’s support, the 2017 STARS Program will be made possible through partnerships with the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Canada-France-Hawaiʻi Telescope, Subaru Telescope and the Pacific Aviation Museum.
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Applications for the Summer 2017 STARS Program, scheduled in late June, will open in May. For more information about STARS, visit PISCES online.
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