MESA, Arizona – April 23, 2019 –The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) offered Mesa Community College student Jenna Connolly not one, but two internships this summer. She accepted one of the internships, which will take her to NASA’s Langley Flight Center in Virginia to work on website redesign.

“I am looking forward to meeting my team and starting the internship,” Connolly said. “I can't wait to learn more about the NASA center at Langley.”

Connolly said she is sure the internship, which begins June 3, will lead to positive career opportunities.

“I am just so grateful for this opportunity,” she said.

Connolly previously participated in the National Community College Aerospace Scholars project (NCAS) in Fall 2018 at Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. During the project, she was part of a team that placed first in a Mars rover prototype competition.

Connolly will be graduating from MCC with an Associate in Applied Science, Computer Information Systems after completing a few more classes. She has received an academic scholarship to the University of Arizona in security engineering and cyber forensics.

Connolly said she is excited about this summer’s opportunity.

“I am really happy,” she said. “I can't thank all my professors enough for helping me achieve this internship.”

NCAS is a program sponsored by the NASA Minority University Research Education Program (MUREP). Learn more at nasa.gov/education/murep.

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MCC alumna Heather Thomas, a 2011 NCAS scholar and former Phi Theta Kappa member, currently resides in Houston, Texas, fulfilling her dream of being a full time NASA employee. Her story is available on NASA’s website at: nas.okstate.edu/ncas/features/thomas.html

MCC alumnus, Patrick McGarey, (2008-2009), who is now employed in NASA’s jet propulsion lab in Pasadena, Calf., recently shared his educational and career journey with current MCC students.

For additional information on National Community College Aerospace Scholars and to access the application, visit http://ncas.aerospacescholars.org. For more on MUREP visit: www.nasa.gov/education/murep.

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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized as an Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community College and is known for service learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. The college serves as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 30,000 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs online, at its two campuses, the Mesa Downtown Center and additional locations. Through the implementation of Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services, MCC is transforming ways it champions student success; college completion, university transfer and career attainment for all students. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution. The diverse student body includes more than 400 international students representing over 60 countries. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training to empower MCC students to compete locally and globally. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of the 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Learn more at mesacc.edu.

Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.