When we look at national graduation rates, the united states is far behind many industrialized countries in preparing students in math and science. Robert j. Herbold, presidents council of advisors on…

When we look at national graduation rates, the united states is far behind many industrialized countries in preparing students in math and science. Robert j. Herbold, presidents council of advisors on stem, attributes this to the lack of preparation of american students in grades k-12. Since they are not prepared for science and math at the secondary level, they are uninterested or unable to cope with college level stem courses. For underrepresented minorities the college graduation statistics are very low. With the second century of flight and half a century of space traveling, NASA officials are in dire need of stem students for future workforce needs. Historically black colleges and universities (hbcus) can play a vital role in overcoming these inevitable challenges. Claflin university has been successful in collaborating with k-12 schools to prepare students for the workforce and college. For the past 8 years astrochem at claflin university has been instrumental in increasing the awareness in and understanding of science through exploration and discovery. The education program targets students in 4TH grade through 9TH grade. Students in grades 10TH L12TH are used as mentors and lab assistants during the summer camp. SC space grant consortium and institutional funds have funded the astrochem program for many years. We are confident that the incident of youth continuing studies of higher education in a stem field and earning advanced degrees in these critical fields will be greatly increased and impacted by engaging them in NASA-science at the onset. Towards this end, the proposal herein, will build on our existing astrochem education program at claflin university and provide a unique NASA learning experience for students to visit the kennedy space center. This proposal is aligned with the goals of NASA s strategic enterprises and minority university research and education programs and will focus on lessons learned through the minority student education forum at kennedy space center. Our role in higher education is to forge linkages and connections with k-12 school systems to improve the readiness of youth for college, specifically in stem. Therefore, the goals of this project are aligned with NASA s strategic plan and outlook ;,to increase the number of students involved in NASA-related activities at the elementary and secondary education levels to inspire and motivate them to pursue higher levels of study in stem courses. Upon returning from the forum, we will continue to enhance student learning in space and earth science. The overall goals of the proposal are two-fold: (1) to bring astrochem students to kennedy space center for an education forum, hands-on-activities, and a tour of the center; and (2) to increase the likelihood that astrochem students will successfully engage in science and mathematics.