ROBERT S. WARD SPACETEC PROGRAM MANAGER SPEAKS AT MVEDA

Robert S. Ward, Programs Manager with SpaceTec, the National Aerospace Technical Eduction Center at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida was the keynote speaker for the June MVEDA luncheon today.

Mr. Ward spoke about the centers objective to try to promote student participation in the aerospace industry. He stated that Dona Ana Community College is one of twelve (12) higher education facilities to be involved with SpaceTec around the country.

Their brochure states "Dona Ana Community College has become a partner in an UP Aerospace rocket launch." Local students were involved in the April 25, 2009 launch from Spaceport America providing student made pay-loads.

Mr. Ward is an advocate for involving students in Middle School and High School to make career decisions in the aerospace field as 'aerospace technicians.'

He compared the aerospace industry today as that of the early 1930s - 1940's when airplane technology was introduced. Today, like then there is not enough trained individuals to meet the aerospace needs in the every growing industry. He said, "it is early aerospace technology for the next generation."

Our communities must invest in the educational opportunities for the advancement of aerospace training. He stated that Las Cruces was in an exceptional area for this in that it can draw from White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico State University, Dona Ana Community College and others.

The key to success in the aerospace future is to excite the new generation of students and promote science projects and camps like 'robotics.' Because of the lack in the workforce today of properly trained aerospace leaders of the future which will lead to a slower expansion into aerospace exploration.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) should be at the forefront of the public school education with early hands on training.

It was noted that the new Spaceport tax passed last year will bring approximately $1.7 million to Dona Ana County. Mr. Ward stated that this "is a wonderful opportunity to promote the aerospace technology programs and that Dona Ana Community College is a viable option for students."

He stressed the value of sending young space enthusiast to attend "Challenger Centers" to get a valuable 'hands on' experience.

For more information on the program go to: www.spaceteg.org or Dona Ana Community College at http://dacc.nmsu.edu.