Santa Rosa Texas ACE Program Receives NASA 10 Grant

Updated: February 21, 2025

By Mike Villarreal

In early February, the Santa Rosa Texas ACE program proudly received the prestigious NASA 10 Grant, in collaboration with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the U.S. Department of Education. This significant accolade positions the program among only 10 school districts across the entire state of Texas to have earned this exceptional opportunity, underscoring the program’s commitment to enhancing educational pathways in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

To launch this exciting initiative, ACE Director Sandra Leal, JNMS Coordinator Victoria Villarreal, and dedicated teacher Alma McIntosh participated in an intensive staff development session held in Pasadena, Texas. During this hands-on training, they engaged in state-of-the-art workshops where they learned techniques for filtering and producing essential water for use in space environments. Additionally, the team successfully designed and built a functional crane, a critical tool for assisting in the complex rocket assembly process. These practical experiences provided valuable insights into the advanced skills and technologies that they are eager to share with their students.

The NASA 10 Grant will unlock unparalleled STEM opportunities for JNMS students, motivating them to aspire to great heights—both literally and metaphorically. On the second day of training, the team immersed themselves in the intricate world of engineering and innovation. They explored the engineering principles behind rocket transportation, focusing on the design and development of a crawler—a massive, powerful machine renowned for its ability to transport heavy rockets to their launch pads.

This immersive experience not only fostered critical thinking and collaboration but also honed their problem-solving skills as they worked diligently to create a functional and efficient design. Witnessing the intersection of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in action was truly inspiring, highlighting the dynamic nature of modern space exploration. The team is eager to bring this newfound knowledge back to their classrooms and communities, igniting curiosity and instilling a passion for STEM in the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. Through this initiative, they aim to empower students to push the boundaries of what is possible in science and technology.