NASA awards millions to historically Black Colleges, Universities

NASA is awarding $11.7 million to eight Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through the new Data Science Equity, Access, and Priority in Research and Education (DEAP) opportunity.

These awards will enable HBCU students and faculty to conduct innovative data science research that contributes to NASA’s missions.

Eight historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) will each get $11.7 million from NASA as part of the new Data Science Equity, Access, and Priority in Research and Education (DEAP) initiative.

With the help of these grants, HBCU faculty and students will be able to carry out ground-breaking data science research that advances NASA’s goals.

“We’re pleased to make progress through awards like this to intentionally build the STEM pipeline of the future, especially in communities of color,”

said NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy

“It’s fitting during Black History Month that we make this tangible step to build on the talent pool at HBCUs in our ongoing work to bring to the table all the talents and perspectives we’ll need to send humans to the Moon, Mars and beyond, and do amazing science throughout the solar system.”

Technology advancements in the field of data science, including the growth of artificial intelligence and machine learning, are poised to significantly impact the work of data scientists and analysts.

The awarded projects have up to three years to establish institutes and partnerships to increase the number and research capacity of STEM students at HBCUs, accelerate innovation in a wide range of NASA science, technology, engineering, and mathematic research areas, and prepare the future workforce for data-intensive space-based Earth sciences.

“The increasing use of data science at NASA and beyond really drives home the need for a future workforce with data science knowledge,” said Mike Kincaid, associate administrator of NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, which manages MUREP. “With our newest collaboration, NASA created an exciting pathway to find new talent at HBCUs.”