Dreaming big with a passion for community service, Northern Marianas College student and former 4-H Marianas President Dan Salde completed the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Community College Aerospace Scholars or NCAS internship, a three-mission program designed to develop STEM knowledge and skills in community college students with an immersive experience in NASA’s mission goals, collaboration, and career pathways. This prestigious program provides a unique opportunity for students in the CNMI to gain valuable skills and explore exciting career paths in the aerospace industry.
The NCAS program comprises three missions: Discover, Explore, and Innovate. Salde completed two of the three missions, reflecting on a distinctive out-of-world experience. In Mission 1, he participated in an online course filled with STEM-based activities, knowledge assessments, and guidance and support from trained professional educators. Mission 2 delved into an educational simulation experience where students are placed on a gamified mission to the Moon or Mars, where Salde and his fellow students created a design solution that integrates multiple systems into simulating a mock NASA environment lunar mission.
“The most interesting aspect of the NASA NCAS program is the career simulation where we were able to do a mock mission where different people needed to work together in their specific roles to accomplish a mission. I worked with another partner as a Hardware Specialist where we researched creating a Lunar Robotic Rover using existing/theoretical parts and designing it using a 3D Computer Aided Software,” said Salde.
As part of the 2024 NCAS cohort, Salde successfully navigated Mission 1 and Mission 2 of the NCAS program, demonstrating his exceptional dedication and strong aptitude for STEM. Salde also earned his Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts from the Northern Marianas College in the same year, and intends to transfer to a higher university to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
“We are incredibly proud of Dan’s accomplishments. He is a passionate leader who has not only successfully completed NCAS Mission 1 & 2 and attained his degree, but has also dedicated his time to helping the community through his volunteer work and mentoring fellow youth to excel and find their spark. Mr. Salde exemplifies all the attributes of a true leader, and we wish him continued success in all his endeavors.” said Tayna Belyeu-Camacho, Salde’s mentor and former adult advisor for 4-H Marianas.
“As a current NMC student and 4-H Marianas alumni, Dan continues to inspire others and to literally reach for the stars! We are proud of him and know that he will continue to find success in the endeavors he pursues,” said Patty Coleman, CREES interim dean.
This achievement not only reflects Salde’s dedication and talent to aerospace but also serves as an inspiration for other youth in the CNMI to pursue their dreams in STEM. Participating in programs such as the NCAS internship can help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
To learn more about the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars program and explore future opportunities in 2025, visit https://www.nasa.gov/.