[youtube height=”315″ width=”560″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IO9-cGUxDRg&feature=youtu.be[/youtube]
On Friday, April 1, 2016, students from Harlingen High School, Harlingen High School South, and Early College High School attended the very first RGV Space Summit at Texas State Technical College.
Superintendent Dr. Art Cavazos welcomed students and encouraged them to turn their curiosities about science, technology, engineering, and math into future career opportunities in the aerospace industry.
“My hope for you is that you find your passion and do everything you can to access it,” said Dr. Cavazos. “Think big. Don’t create glass ceilings for yourselves. Set your sights on the opportunities and not the risks.”
Breaking off into separate group sessions, students had the opportunity to hear from and visit with aerospace engineers from NASA, United Launch Alliance, and Agile Aero.
Speakers shared information about their company, projects and missions highlighting their personal experiences and stressing the importance of higher education in obtaining degrees and training required to work in the aerospace industry.
“We want the students to explore their curiosities and make their curiosities into opportunities,” said Marve Esterly, Director of Aviation for Valley International Airport. “We want to show students what possibilities are out there, and anything is possible if you set your mind to it.”
Guest speakers for the event were Humberto Sanchez (NASA), Tim Pillar (ULA) and Dan Delong (Agile Aero).
The RGV Space Summit is a STEM event created in collaboration between Harlingen Aerotropolis, TSTC Harlingen, Harlingen Consolidated School District, and Harlingen Economic Development Corporation.
“In creating partnerships like this we are going to energize the students to really lean into these professions,” said Dr. Cavazos. “We are so excited about the opportunities today. I want to thank all of our partners that came together to make this a possibility for our students.”
This is a great opportunity for our students. I hope that they are able to see how the world opens up to them if they just pursue their dreams and get their college degree. Humberto Sanchez is one of our own that went on to do big things at NASA. He is an excellent example for any student to follow. Even as a kid he knew what he wanted and went after it.