The scholarship covers travel, lodging, and meals for the immersive experience, which includes simulations, team missions and training based on aerospace.
Five Santa Monica College students were selected for an all-expenses-paid Space Camp scholarship from the Proctor Foundation for Art and Science and attended the program this month at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
The recipients — Nafiseh Pirmoradi, Angel Gonzalez-Villeda, Stephanie Hernandez Hernandez, Julissan Gonzalez and Aria Hightower — participated in the camp from July 10-12. They were chosen through a national application process open to community college students across the country.
The scholarship covers travel, lodging, meals and programming for the immersive experience, which includes simulations, team missions and training based on aerospace challenges.
Nafiseh Pirmoradi said one highlight was acting as a pilot in simulations. She described launching a rocket after three attempts, saying the experience taught her the value of persistence and that there is “no such thing as failure, only opportunities to try again.”
Aria Hightower, a freshman who was homeschooled, said the camp sparked her interest in astrobiology and related fields. It was her first time on an airplane and visiting another state. She expressed hope that the opportunity would encourage other African American and homeschooled students interested in STEAM fields.
Stephanie Hernandez Hernandez said the experience built her confidence about persisting through setbacks. It was her first visit to Alabama.
Angel Gonzalez-Villeda said connecting with the other SMC students, who are pursuing different majors, was a highlight. A native of South Los Angeles, he noted that such programs can broaden perspectives for students from underrepresented communities.
Julissan Gonzalez said she enjoyed meeting people from varied backgrounds and learning about their inspirations. She described becoming a Space Camp alumna as part of her ongoing pursuit of her goals.
Santa Monica College offers programs in multiple STEM fields, including biology, chemistry, physics, engineering and computer science.
