Patti Grace Smith Fellowship

First Day at Blue Origin ✅, looking forward to the new adventures ahead!

Last week concluded my first year in the Defense Civilian Training Corps (DCTC). I additionally completed my internship at the U.S. Army DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory. To top this I was able to attend the inaugural DCTC Scholar Showcase in Washington D.C.. I was able to present my summer research project, reconnect with scholars I knew, meet more of cohort 0, and meet scholars of cohort 1! I want to extend my thanks to my mentors Mariela Perez-Cabarcas and Kaleb McDowell for guiding me through the summer. Also a big thanks to my great coworkers Lauren Ruck, Asia Walter, Ceili Olney, and Cydney Harris! Additionally a thank you to the The Acquisition Innovation Research Center (AIRC) team for mentoring and organizing the memorable event.

When I was 7 years old, I attended University of Maryland Hearing and Speech Clinic. Initial tests analyzing my speech and pronunciation skills showed I scored in the low percentile. From a young age, I had always struggled with my speech. Despite working with various speech therapists, significant progress was not made. However, after two years at UMD, my speech skills were massively improved. UMD played a critical role in improving my speech skills. Naturally I made it my personal mission to return to UMD as a undergraduate student after seeing how much they have changed my life. In high school, I discovered aerospace engineering thanks to their engineering program. I did not know anyone at a personal level who was interested in the field, but a "gut feeling" told me that it was the place for me. I worked hard throughout high school to qualify for the aerospace engineering program at UMD. Unfortunately, despite having the passion, I was not admitted to UMD. Though my peers and parents believed in me, I was met with disappoint. I felt uncertain about my future, especially in the aerospace world. Fortunately, I found a new home at University of Maryland, Baltimore County, as a mechanical engineering student. I was also fortunate enough to walk-on to their D1 Varsity Track and Field Team. All seemed great, but internally I was not satisfied. The university, team, and my peers welcomed me with open arms and made me feel welcomed. However, something inside me told me to reapply to UMD. It felt wrong to quit on my dream after years of hard work. At the start of the second semester, I made the decision to reapply. I put all my cards into the application, including leaving the Track team. It was a tough time, especially as the COVID Pandemic started around the same time. Thankfully, I was accepted into University of Maryland - A. James Clark School of Engineering for aerospace engineering. Little did I know how challenging the journey would be. Between starting a new school during COVID, joining the Air Force ROTC program, and making friends, I struggled both physically and mentally. I often found myself with my back against the wall and barely keeping myself afloat. Imposter syndrome and fear of failing hit me like a wall. The only thing that held me together were my friends and parents. They had my back when I needed it the most and provided a shoulder for me to cry on. Though the stress from school never truly died down, I eventually found my footing and handle it with a better attitude. Thanks to the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship and Matthew Isakowitz Fellowship Program, I was guided by amazing and inspiring mentors and was introduced to talented peers who are passionate about the aerospace industry. Many thanks to my peers, classmates, and UMD organizations that helped shaped me into the person I am today. If you read this far, thank you! Morale of the story: Fight for your dreams and find a support system!

Biweekly Student Team Spotlight!🚀 Black Students in Aerospace - University of Michigan (BSA) is a student organization for aerospace-minded Black students at the University of Michigan. Formed in February 2020, they have been dedicated to improving opportunities, resources, and community for minorities in aerospace as well as spotlighting the Black Aerospace professionals who have been successful in the industry. BSA started the 2024 year off with the introduction of the BSA Diversity Scholarship, an initiative that recognized and awarded two exceptional applicants. As the year progressed, the organization spearheaded and collaborated on various community events such as a SpaceX engagement event, a meet and greet session featuring a Varda Space representative, and many more. Additionally, BSA has teamed up with the Peace Corner Youth Center to teach a stomp rocket design challenge for students enrolled in Peace Corner. With a focus on academic, professional, and social development, BSA remains dedicated to improving the aerospace community at U-M and outside the university. Members of BSA work towards creating a personal community while also supporting students in their professional endeavors by connecting with engineers in industry, and sponsoring members’ attendance at engineering conferences. BSA works tirelessly to ensure that Black students on campus feel empowered and confident in their pursuit of an education and/or a career in the aerospace industry. Students of all majors are welcome to join and help bring their vision to life! Visit the BSA website to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gg-G3NzQ

Earlier this month, I finished my internship at Caterpillar Inc. where I worked on software for engine controls. It was an amazing experience working with my team and learning their stories as well as sharing my own. I'm very thankful for all the amazing people who gave me advice as I approach the completion of my degree. A lot of pivotal decisions will be made this school year, and I feel more prepared than ever to put myself on a path for success right out of college. Shoutout to all the other CAT interns as well! This summer would not have been the same without you all!😊

At the start of the summer, we had two amazing alumni represent the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship on Aurelia Institute’s Horizon 2023 and 2024 zero gravity flights! Alumni Brandon Wells ‘21 and Malia Mitchell ‘22 got to fly on board the G-FORCE ONE, and experience lunar, martian and zero gravity. A huge thanks to the Aurelia Institute and Zero-G Corporation for partnering with us and making this possible! Photo Credit: Ashley Covington; Blaga Ditrow / ZERO-G Corp

This summer I had the wonderful opportunity to serve as a mentor with the Robert B. Griffin Central Florida Chapter of the Black Pilots of America in their inaugural STEM Aviation Summer Camp. It was an unforgettable experience that I will cherish forever. Witnessing firsthand the next generation of aviators and engineers truly demonstrates the limitless potential and ingenuity of young minds shaping the future of aerospace, especially when they can absorb the wisdom from one of the greats, such as the groundbreaking Donnie Cochran. Without the guidance of Danny Fuqua, the President of the Robert B. Griffin Chapter of the Black Pilots of America, I would have never been able to be involved in such an amazing program. I want to thank my fellow mentors, our sponsors, and of course, the children, whose enthusiasm, curiosity, and boundless energy made this program so rewarding. Their eagerness to learn and grow truly makes our efforts worthwhile. Most of all, I want to thank God for giving me this opportunity to be a servant leader and for the chance to support, encourage, and empower His children on their journey.

I can’t believe we are launched for the FIFTH year of Patti Grace Smith Fellows! If you are a Black, college student, interested in Aerospace opportunities, this org is for you!!! APPLY APPLY APPLY. If you know of anyone that may be interested, SHARE SHARE SHARE! You won’t regret it! 📢📢📢📢📢

Just about a month ago, I got the opportunity to take part in our 4th annual Patti Grace Smith Fellowship fellowship summit! Every year, I am in awe of how AMAZING not only fellows of PGSF are, but Black professionals in Aerospace as a whole. I am so humbled to take part in each and every fellow’s journey. It is a reminder that it is possible! #gracemode#pgsf#Ilovemyblackjob#rocketscientists

The Class of 2025 Application for the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship is now open! 🥳✈️🚀 If you, or someone you know, is a Black undergraduate student (in any major!) thats interested in the aviation or space industry - then check out and apply to our program! Each fellow selected: 🔘Is matched with a summer internship at a leading aerospace company or institution, where they will also be paid a living wage. 🔘Attend our annual summit during the summer - meeting with professionals, learning about industry trends and changes, and building community! 🔘Become a part of an amazing network consisting of your class and over 140 program alumni who are achieving great things all over the country! 📍Deadline is October 1st, 2024! 📍Apply now at https://lnkd.in/gYZGz_Z2