Maryland MESA Students Discover the Importance of STEM Education at Capitol

 

 

Contact: Kyle Anderson Marketing & Communications Coordinator 301-369-2800, ext. 3015 kdanderson@capitol-college.edu

LAUREL, MD (January 26, 2012) – On Friday, Jan. 20, more than 100 students from Maryland MESA middle schools visited the Capitol campus and learned about the importance of STEM education.

 

During their visit, the students listened to current Capitol students who discussed the possibilities of earning an education in a STEM field. The Capitol scholars discussed some of the projects they are working on in class, and also touched on the types of careers that will be available to them once they earn their degrees.

 

“Once again the students had the opportunity to learn more about cyber security, the use of robots and how satellites are managed,” Paula Shelton, executive director of Maryland MESA, said. “They were excited and engaged. The Capitol College staff and students provided an educational and fun experience."

 

The middle school students were also given a tour of the Cyber Battle Lab (CBL), where Capitol students learn the ins and outs of cybersecurity. In the lab, students simulate, detect, analyze and defeat cyber threats, much like cybersecurity professionals in the workforce do on a regular basis. The CBL is the perfect environment for students to hone their cybersecurity skills through hands-on learning.

 

Capitol students also discussed the Space Operations Institute, which is a partnership with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center where students help track satellites orbiting the Earth. A campus tour was also provided to the MESA students, who had the opportunity to speak with members of Capitol’s faculty and staff.

 

The visit was sponsored by Capitol’s Center for Space Science Education and Public Outreach, which provides hands-on education and workforce development experiences for students of all ages, from kindergarten through college, and those who support them in achieving leadership careers in the STEM fields.

 

“Capitol College appreciates Maryland MESA’s long standing partnership to promote STEM education in Maryland,” Michael Gibbs, Capitol’s vice president for advancement, said. “This recent workshop provided a unique opportunity for middle school students to receive a behind-the-scenes look at job opportunities in both cyber security and space operations.”

 

The MESA students in attendance represented Meade Middle School, Stemmers Run Middle School, Old Court Middle School, Annapolis Middle School, Calvert Middle School, John Hanson Middle School and Matthew Henson Middle School.

 

Capitol College is the only independent college in Maryland dedicated to education in engineering, computer science, information technology and business through practices of leadership and innovation. Founded in 1927, Capitol offers associate, bachelor’s and master's degrees, a Doctor of Science in Information Assurance, professional development training and certificates. Academic programs are grounded in centers of excellence; these include the Space Operations Institute, the Critical Infrastructures and Cyber Protection Center, the Innovation and Leadership Institute, and the Center for Space Science Education and Public Outreach. The college campus is located in Laurel, Maryland, a suburban setting midway between Baltimore and Washington, DC. www.capitol-college.edu.