NASA Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Aerospace Academy 

NASA SEMAA is an innovative national project designed to increase participation and retention of underrepresented youth in grades K-12 in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

We offer SEMAA sessions through local school partnerships during the academic year and in day-camp scenarios during the summer months, as well as various enrichment opportunties throughout the year.

Program Components
This program is designed to INSPIRE a more diverse student population to pursue careers in STEM-related fields; ENGAGE students, parents/caregivers, family members and teachers by incorporating emerging technologies into instruction; and EDUCATE students utilizing rigorous STEM curriculum designed and implemented as only NASA can. Our program has five core components: 

Hands-on K-12 STEM Curricula
Aligned to  national common core, math, science and technology standards, these unique STEM courses provide SEMAA students with up to 411 hours of advanced studies in STEM prior to enrollment in a post-secondary institution.

Aerospace Education Laboratories (AELs)
Developed by NASA and equipped with 12 workstations, the AEL is an electronically enhanced, computerized classroom that puts cutting-edge technology at the fingertips of NASA SEMAA students. Each computerized research station provides real-life challenges involving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In addition to being an extraordinary tool for educating students, the AEL serves as an excellent training facility for pre-service and in-service teachers on the SEMAA curriculum. We manage two AELs, one on the WVSU campus and another in Beckley.
 
Family Cafe
Parents/Caregivers learn about a variety of issues such as educational planning, family budgeting, healthy eating and STEM activities to do with their children. 
 
Community Outreach
We provide a variety of specialized outreach programs, which are conducted in support of local schools, community centers and other stakeholders for the purpose of improving external STEM education efforts. These customized programs take place in various off-site locations or often in conjunction with the AEL sites.
 
Professional Development
We provide ongoing professional development for area teachers each year. This training component is focused on equipping teachers with the latest teaching tools and techniques to support their efforts to increase student interest and proficiency in STEM.

Learn more at 
WVSU NASA SEMAA Raleigh County/Southern WV
NASA SEMAA
 

National Science Foundation Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research

CASTEM plays an active role in promoting research opportunities for in-service, early career and pre-service teachers on the WVSU campus. These opportunities allow them to work alongside our research faculty and engage in learning about the latest advancements in STEM.

Learn more about the National Science Foundation EPSCoR program outreach efforts and research study here.

National Science Foundation Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation

In an effort to promote and develop undergraduate research opportunities for minority students, CASTEM and WVSU are honored to be a part of the Kentucky-West Virginia NSF LSAMP program, alongside other universities such as Bluegrass Community and Technical College, Center College, Kentucky State University, Marshall University, The University of Louisville, West Virginia University and Western Kentucky University.

KY-WV LSAMP is a consortium of colleges and universities working together to create, enhance and expand programs designed to broaden participation and increase the quality and quantity of students from underrepresented populations who receive degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Program goals and activities focus on undergraduate research experiences, graduate school preparation, and international experiences.
 
Learn more about the KY-WV NSF LSAMP program and activities here.
 

Research Rookies
Research is an important part of the undergraduate experience. Students engage in enriching research experiences that allows them to explore their intended majors, develop relationships with faculty in their field, and cultivate critical thinking skills.

WVSU has partnered with DOW Chemical Company and AT&T to develop the Research Rookies program, which provides stipends for freshman and sophomore students who engage in yearlong research projects. At the end of the academic year, the students are given the platform to present their research at the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Annual Research Symposium.

Successful candidates must be highly motivated, have a strong academic performance and a commitment to discovery. Students admitted to the Research Rookies Program will be paired with a faculty member in their field of interest for an innovative research experience.

Apply Now