Last month, the Brooke Owens Fellowship announced its newest group of exceptional undergraduate women and gender minorities in the aerospace field. This ninth class, known as "Brookies," includes 45 students selected from over 400 applicants. They have exciting internship opportunities lined up with major companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin, as well as smaller startups such as Vast and Stoke. Each intern will have an executive-level mentor to guide them in their careers.
Yet, there’s uncertainty on the horizon. This could be the final class of Brookies to receive aerospace internships.
Lori Garver, a former NASA deputy administrator and co-founder of the fellowship, voiced her concerns: "Ten years ago, this was embraced by everyone. It was seen as a win-win for all. But it’s unclear if we can continue under the new administration."
The main issue stems from an executive order signed by President Trump on January 20, which aims to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The order claims that "Americans deserve a government committed to serving every person with equal dignity and respect." This significant shift raises doubts about the future of programs that support underrepresented groups in aerospace and beyond.
Fellowships like Brooke Owens and the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship for Black undergraduates rely on partnerships with companies in the industry. They sift through numerous applications to create a pool of talent for internships and mentorship. Most agreements for the 2025 Brookies were finalized before the executive order, providing a temporary safety net. However, the Zed Factor Fellowship, which promotes diverse internships, recently had to halt its selection process for the 2025 group, calling it a "heartbreaking" decision.
Recent statistics showcase the importance of such initiatives. According to a report from the National Science Foundation, women and minority groups are still underrepresented in STEM fields. In 2020, women held only about 28% of jobs in science and engineering. This highlights the ongoing need for programs that support diversity and inclusion.
The social media response to these changes has been overwhelmingly critical. Many users have expressed disappointment, sharing personal stories about how mentorship and support have impacted their careers in STEM.
As the landscape for these programs evolves, the implications of reducing DEI initiatives will necessitate ongoing dialogue and advocacy within the aerospace community and beyond. Each step taken now could reshape the future for countless aspiring professionals.
For more insights into the importance of diversity in STEM, check out research from the National Science Foundation.
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