Proposed Recipient: Tarleton State University

Address of Recipient: 1333 W. Washington Street, Stephenville, TX 76401

Amount of Request: $1,446,706.00

Project Description and Statement of Public Benefit: Rural middle school students often have limited access to hands-on science and engineering learning experiences that integrate technology and mathematics and connect classroom concepts to real-world careers. This project proposes a NASA-themed summer academy delivered through an immersive summer camp model on Tarleton State University’s campus and designed to provide rural middle school students with immersive, experiential learning opportunities grounded in scientific inquiry and engineering design. Through hands-on investigations, problem-based challenges, and technology-enhanced activities, students will explore NASA-inspired themes such as space exploration, Earth systems, and engineering for extreme environments. The project is a collaborative effort between Tarleton State University’s College of Education and Mayfield College of Engineering, engaging faculty, engineering students, and preservice teachers in both program design and delivery. High-quality instructional design and professional learning will be supported through faculty, rural teachers, and preservice teacher participation in STEM-based professional development prior to designing, developing, and implementing the student summer academy, strengthening the sustainability and instructional impact of the academy.

This project directly addresses rural STEM opportunity gaps by bringing high-quality, science and engineering-rich learning experiences to students in TX-06. Research consistently shows that STEM career interest solidifies in middle school, yet rural students often have limited exposure to authentic engineering design, role models, or industry pathways. By integrating engineering student mentors, preservice and in-service teachers, science education and engineering faculty, this project creates a multi-layered workforce pipeline that benefits the region long after the grant period ends.