NASA Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Aerospace Academy
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.
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.
Parents/Caregivers learn about a variety of issues such as educational planning, family budgeting, healthy eating and STEM activities to do with their children.
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.
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