Students in the My Brother’s Keeper program hear from experts from across NASA’s Kennedy Space Center during a panel discussion in the Space Station Processing Facility Conference Center. Seated from left to right are Sheldon Lauderdale of the Commercial Crew Program (CCP); Yves Lamothe of the Ground Systems Development and Operations Program; Jennifer Levitt of CCP; Trent Smith and DeAntae Cooper (far right) of the Exploration Research and Technology Programs; and Malcolm Boston of the Launch Services Program. The spaceport is one of six NASA centers that participated in My Brother’s Keeper National Lab Week. The event is a nationwide effort to bring youth from underrepresented communities into federal labs and centers for hands-on activities, tours and inspirational speakers.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – A guest at the Tom Joyner Family Reunion talks with Brittani Sims, left, and Sheldon Lauderdale, both work in the Program Control and Integration Office of the Commercial Crew Program. They explained that the program is facilitating development of American commercial crew space transportation capability to achieve safe, reliable and cost-effective access to and from the International Space Station and low-Earth orbit. The Tom Joyner Family Reunion is designed to present uplifting programs, entertainment and information about growing, diverse communities. An annual event of the nationally-syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show, the many exhibits included NASA's participation focusing on encouraging young people to consider studies and careers in STEM -- science, technology, engineering and math. NASA's Education Division promoted the benefits of math and scientific learning along with career opportunities offered by the space agency. The activities took place at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Florida, during the Labor Day weekend. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper