As technology in various specializations, including aerospace engineering, continues to evolve, the need for engineers is growing nationwide.
In an effort to encourage college-bound students to advance their education through science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) degrees, NASA and the National Institute of Aerospace (NIA) have launched the RealWorld-In World Engineering Design Challenge. This event teams up high school seniors with college students who are studying these fields to create a virtual world with the use of NASA technology.
The competition will be completed in two parts - the first phase will ask participants to design solutions for one of two potential issues linked to the Webb telescope. During the second part, the teams will be joined by engineering and information technology students as well as one engineering professional.
Bernard Grossman, vice president of education and outreach at NIA, stated that the competition's goal is to "inspire students to become engaged with STEM learning using the 21st century technology that is part of their everyday life." He added that "the experience will exercise both their science and math skills, and the creativity that is essential to engineering innovation."
Students who earn an aerospace engineering degree will be prepared to work with spacecraft technology, which could lead to successful careers. Government statistics suggest that by 2018, the employment of these professionals is expected to grow by 10 percent, and the demand will create approximately 7,400 new jobs
