North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, NASA Astronaut Christina Koch, and Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr. came together at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University to showcase the state’s robust STEM public education programs. The event aimed to emphasize how public education has played a vital role in supporting their successful careers.
Students from N.C. A&T’s rocketry team and various departments like physics, chemistry, and biology gathered to listen to inspiring speeches from Koch, Governor Cooper, and Chancellor Martin. The group later explored the drone bay and witnessed demonstrations from the rocketry and engineering teams.
Governor Cooper praised North Carolina’s public schools for setting students up for success and encouraging them to aim high. He emphasized the importance of investing in public education to equip future leaders, astronauts, and professionals with the necessary skills.
Astronaut Koch shared her journey from North Carolina public schools to space exploration, highlighting the pivotal role education played in shaping her career. She credited her time in North Carolina for sparking her passion for exploration and preparing her for the challenges of space travel.
Chancellor Martin expressed pride in N.C. A&T’s contributions to NASA and the space program, citing alumni like astronaut Ronald McNair and current students named as Astronaut Scholars. He believed that the university would continue to play a significant role in America’s space endeavors.
The event concluded with a sense of optimism and inspiration, as students were encouraged to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence in their educational pursuits. Governor Cooper’s declaration of 2024 as the “Year of Public Schools” further underscored the importance of well-funded public education in shaping the future of North Carolina’s economy and communities.