Joshua Budram, 21, grew from being a toddler afraid of airplanes to being fascinated by them. Choosing to face that fear gave him a life lesson he carried into his time at Prince George's Community College.

"Facing your fears gives you the power to develop new things and open doors," Budram said. "Flying isn't anything to fear. It's an experience."

Budram's courage recently led him to NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, where he completed a paid 10-week summer internship. He was one of eight Prince George's Community College students selected as part of PGCC's partnership with NASA and the University of Maryland (UMD). Through innovative partnerships like this one, PGCC students gain access to cutting-edge STEM fields and national career opportunities.

"Collaborative partnerships are important because a lot of times, community college students may think that their education is not good enough to go to big places," Neeharika Thakur, Ph.D., PGCC professor of physics and astronomy and principal investigator of the NASA grant, said. "[A lot of students] have that impostor syndrome. With these internship experiences, students receive unique, unparalleled exposure to working at NASA. They develop a professional network, and it's a huge resume boost."

Support from NASA provides inventive students like Budram with a strong career foundation. In 2024, PGCC received a $1.2 million NASA MUREP Curriculum Award grant to be dispersed over three years. The College is one of five institutions in the country, two of which are community colleges, to receive a competitive grant from NASA. This grant provides additional economic support for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) majors to enter this career field.

New laboratory equipment, paid undergraduate research projects for students, educational trips, and paid summer internships at NASA and UMD enhance physics and chemistry curricula. The College recently purchased a gas chromatograph and an atomic absorption spectrometer for spectral analysis in chemistry and physics. Exposure to both instruments allows college STEM students to connect theory with real-world applications by enhancing lab skills, critical thinking, and readiness for industry careers.

There is also an on-campus physics maker space equipped with 3D printers, which prepares students for careers in engineering and design by allowing them to experiment with creating prototypes for various industries.

"When our students come out of these programs, they can go anywhere with confidence because we prepare them with contemporary and crucial skills," Thakur said. "PGCC's NASA grant is helping forge partnerships and develop pathways that will benefit our students for years to come."

Budram envisions his future as an aerospace engineer and STEM educator. He chose PGCC as the first stop in his higher education journey, not only for affordability but also because other family members attended the College.

"At PGCC, I've had one-on-one time with my professors," Budram said. "They're easily accessible, and they know my name! That makes me feel like I'm welcome."

At NASA, Budram interned under the mentorship of two astrophysicists in NASA's Heliophysics Laboratory, studying coronal mass ejections to predict space weather. Understanding coronal mass ejections, or the rapid ejections of plasma mass from the Sun's corona, is crucial for advancing space research and travel. These transferable skills can carry Budram into a future with open possibilities.

"It has been a remarkable experience," Budram said. "I was able to present to [experienced] physicists and engineers…and they barely had any questions…I take a lot of pride in that."

Now a PGCC alum, Budram transferred to the University of Maryland to complete his degree in aerospace engineering and minor in technology, entrepreneurship, and corporate innovation. His participation in the Southern Management Leadership Program and Maryland Transfer Advantage Program helped him secure a successful career path.

"I look forward to my graduation day and one day sending astronauts to the moon again," he said.

Budram's story shows how PGCC students are reaching new heights. With opportunity and strong community partnership, their career dreams take flight.