Concord University recently earned support from the National Aeronautical Space Association (NASA) in the form of a grant. This new form of financial assistance came thanks to the efforts of Dr. Hawthorne- Allen. However, getting this grant proved quite arduous.

“I applied from the NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium, and they gave me a public outreach grant,” explained Dr. Hawthorne-Allen, “My Division Chair told me about them, and I talked to someone at the State Fair about it. It sounded like a good idea, so I decided to go for it.”

This was not the first time she had applied for this grant, hence why this was particuarly difficult to obtain.

Julie Lauderman (Left) and Dr. Alice Hawthorne-Allen (Right) are excited to put their public outreach grant to use.

“I tried to apply for this grant last year, but was turned down because I needed to be clearer with what the grant money would be used for. I don’t know how many people applied, so I don’t know the success rate. However, I can tell you that it was very com- petitive. Many different schools applied to earn grant money from NASA, so I am thankful that our grant was able to be given.”

When asked what the grant will be used for, Dr. Hawthorne Allen excitedly revealed her plans for the grant money.

“The grant money will be used for purchasing materials and for funding outreach programs for K-12 students in the local area,” She said, “It will be used to buy things such as the materials used to make this ball.” As she said this, she produced a ball made of smaller balls and rods. “The building materials are called Zometools,” she explained, “I’m also getting foam rockets to launch and some polydron and UV sensitive materials.”

Elaborating further, she stated, “We’re gonna use them to get children interested in science, especially science that involves taking pic- tures in space, launching objects into space, and constructing things in space. The main goal is to generate enthusiasm for astronomy and science on the local level.” While this grant was given by NASA with the intention of assisting children in learning about outer space, it has inadvertently helped a Concord University student, as well. “The grant is also supporting one Concord Student by employing them to coordinate the outreach program. The student is Julie Lauderman, one of my TAs.” Ms. Lauderman, who was present during the interview, commented with, “I’m very grateful for the opportunity and I’m excited for this outreach program. It’s fun.”

When asked about the specifics in regards to the grant money, Dr. Hawthorne-Allen was very upfront about the exact amount.

“It is a $10,000 grant that will be used for these out- reach programs and for buying materials. $5,000 comes from the NASA Consortium, and the other $5,000 is coming from the school. I applied for the grant to get materials that I wouldn’t normally use. Lab and tech fees will not be used in the purchas- ing of these materials, nor will it be used to fund these K-12 outreach programs.”

Dr. Hawthorne-Allen was very hopeful for the future of this outreach project. “By the time this project is over, these students will hopefully have an increased aware- ness and enthusiasm for science. People were targeting students for the outreach. We’ll be col- lecting data on the students, as well. We’ll make a good group out of these individuals. My spring semester will also be using this grant money, as well. I also am intending on continu- ing such outreach programs, even after the grant runs out of money.”

Anyone wishing to assist in the outreach program for volunteer hours should contact Dr. Hawthorne-Allen via her email amhallen@concord.edu or simply call the number (304) 384-6273.