For many years I supported Higher Orbits, having met Michelle at a space conference seven years ago (probably Space Symposium, but hard to say since somehow she finds time to attend EVERY major space conference). A co-worker at the time introduced me to her with the idea of supporting Higher Orbits to help market the company I worked for, since there was a naturally synergy between a STEM organization and an Architecture & Engineering Firm, the idea of introducing engineering to students at an early age as a way to increase engagement in a work force that is desperately needing workers was a great idea. Also, anyone who knows Michelle or has heard her speak, knows that she is great at promoting and supporting companies that supports Higher Orbits with shout outs and branding galore.
However, my support for Higher Orbits took a turn from a mere corporate sponsorship to something more personal after getting my chance to attend and speak at my first Go for Launch! event held at the Kennedy Space Center. As a sponsor, Michelle asked for if I would be interested in speaking to the students attending the session and provide some insights into what facility design engineers do. I took her up on the offer and the experience was extremely rewarding on a personal level. Being able to interact and engage with students that haven’t made up their career choices, or even their college degree choices, but WANT to listen and learn was an amazing experience. Having students actually participate, pay attention to what you are saying, and then ask informed questions afterwards is a deeply rewarding experience. Being able to finish my discussion (not just a lecture) with the students made me realize that the Higher orbits program is something very unique, something that can really help engage students and introduce topics that they are not getting elsewhere in school. Hopefully, allowing them to make career choices in one of the STEM fields, maybe not in facility engineering, but in engineering of some kind.
Additionally, being able to see the students interact with each other in the group projects, working together for the first time to bring forth an idea that they developed over the course of a couple of days shows how Higher Orbits can teach skills that aren’t being taught in schools. Not just the textbook knowledge, but social skills is something that gets overlooked and Higher Orbits allows students to interact with people from different backgrounds and experiences. Helping build bonds that will transcend an event that last a few days and build friendships that last years.
This initial experience led me to continue my support for Higher Orbits, joining the Board of Directors, finding ways to increase sponsorship opportunities, both personally and through companies I have worked for. Recruiting other co-workers to support and join the organization and also continuing to participate in Go for Launch! events, speaking and supporting student activities. The overall experience has been extremely rewarding personally and has allowed me to connect with other great professionals in industry that share a passion for STEM education and growth of talent for future generations. After being in industry for 20 years and seeing the overwhelming need for professionals to join the workforce, being able to support career development for high school students at the beginning of their decision process has been very rewarding and allows me to feel like I am helping to make a difference.
Written by Higher Orbits Board of Directors Member Rich Pruss
