The NCAS Student Challenge invites community college students to explore how their current coursework connects to NASA’s mission and aerospace career pathways. Students compete for monetary awards by reviewing career pathways and submitting an infographic that demonstrates the connection between their studies and NASA’s work.
This challenge is designed to help students see the direct link between their community college education and exciting careers in aerospace, engineering, science, and technology.
Competition Process
Cohort Phase An educational engagement experience for community college students to learn how their technical skills gained through the community college connect to NASA careers and mission needs. Students will engage with several live webinars, hear from NASA technical leads, and explore careers through NASA resources. At the conclusion of the Cohort Phase, students submit materials demonstrating a connection between their community college coursework and skills to a NASA career. Up to the top 1000 student submissions that meet the baseline scoring criteria will be up for a $500 award. Career Fair Phase All students successfully completing the Cohort Phase are invited to the NCAS Career Fair. During the virtual fair, students will be directly connected with a wide range of NASA technical career opportunities to learn how their skills more directly apply to NASA and aerospace industry needs. Upon completing the career fair, students will be able to submit additional materials for career linkage prizes of $250 that will be awarded to up to 500 of the top submissions meeting baseline scoring criteria. Students will also be linked to NASA and aerospace industry career opportunities for potential internships and job placements.Judging Criteria
Participate
Website: https://nasa-ncas.org/
Registration Dates
August 17, 2026
12:01am PDT
Registration Opens
September 28, 2026
11:59pm PDT