Five SMC Students Selected for Competitive Space Camp Scholarship from Proctor Foundation for Art and Science

Five SMC Students Selected for Competitive Space Camp Scholarship from Proctor Foundation for Art and Science

All-Expenses-Paid Scholarship Recognizes Individuals Demonstrating Strong Potential in STEAM, Took Place at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Santa Monica, CA—Five Santa Monica College (SMC) students were selected as recipients of the highly competitive Space Camp Scholarship awarded by the Proctor Foundation for Art and Science. Selected via a national application process, Nafiseh Pirmoradi, Angel Gonzalez-Villeda, Stephanie Hernandez Hernandez, Julissan Gonzalez, and Aria Hightower were chosen out of a competitive pool of applicants representing community colleges across the United States.

The scholarship recognizes individuals demonstrating strong potential in STEAM fields (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) and a commitment to advancing innovation, creativity, and inclusive participation in space-related careers. The Space Camp experience took place July 10-12 at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, where participants engaged in simulations, team-based missions, and training designed to mirror real-world aerospace challenges.

|The Proctor Foundation for Art and Science awards a limited number of all-expenses-paid scholarships annually, providing recipients with the opportunity to attend Space Camp, an immersive, hands-on experience focused on scientific exploration and teamwork. The scholarship covers travel, lodging, meals, and educational programming.

“At the Proctor Foundation for Art and Science, we believe access to transformative experiences like Space Camp can ignite curiosity, build confidence, and open pathways into careers in space and STEAM. Our scholarship recipients represent the future of an inclusive and innovative space community, and we are proud to support their journey,” said Dr. Sian Proctor, Founder of the Proctor Foundation for Art and Science.

The SMC students who were chosen for the all-expenses-paid Proctor Foundation scholarship shared perspectives on their experience.

“The absolute highlight for me was stepping into the role of a pilot during our simulations—an experience that felt like a distant dream turned into reality,” said Nafiseh Pirmoradi. “Coming from a background that bridges art, mathematics, and architecture, I found it fascinating to see how effectively these fields intersect with aerospace challenges. This dual perspective allowed me to approach technical tasks with both creative problem-solving and strict precision.”

Another highlight that taught Pirmoradi “the critical importance of focus and deep thinking” and that “there is no such thing as failure, only opportunities to try again” was taking three attempts to “finally” launch a rocket into the sky. “Instead of feeling disappointed, I just kept trying and changing the conditions,” she added, stating that the experience completely reshaped her perspective.

Aria Hightower, who shared that she is a formerly homeschooled student, an African American, and a freshman at SMC, said: “The Space Camp experience single-handedly contributed to my fascination with biology, while introducing me to space. I knew little about exobiology/astrobiology, marine biology, botany, and medicine in the conversation about space. Space was a minuscule theme for me before, but now I am more interested in learning about astronomy through more similar experiences.”

Adding that it was her first time on an airplane, as well as her first time visiting another state, Hightower said: "I truly hope this incredible opportunity encourages African American students interested in pursuing a STEAM-related career to continue making your dreams a reality. And to my fellow homeschooled students, remember that life is vast and ready for you to reach for the stars anytime you are ready."

Stephanie Hernandez Hernandez said that the experience gave her “an added confidence that it’s okay to fail, but to keep pushing forward no matter what.” It was her first time in Alabama, and she stated she was “forever grateful to have had this opportunity because not only did I learn new things but I met wonderful people who were kind and generous.”

“My favorite experience on the trip was being able to connect with people whose career paths are different from mine,” said Angel Gonzalez-Villeda, referring to how the other four SMC participants were majors in different disciplines. “Being able to learn about everyone's different career paths and backgrounds was refreshing. It was fun to speak about space and bond over our interest in science without the academic pressure.”

A native of South Los Angeles, Gonzalez-Villeda reflected how an experience like this would “change the perspective of a student growing up in South LA . . . and [it] helped reinforce the importance of mentorship and scholarships for students from underrepresented communities.”

“My favorite part of Space Camp was meeting people from different backgrounds and learning what inspired them to join,” said Julissan Gonzalez, “Connecting with incredible peers and STEM professionals. From watching Endeavour fly overhead at seven to becoming a Space Camp alumna, I'll never stop pursuing my dreams.”

SMC offers options for study in numerous STEM fields including biology, pre-medicine biology, chemistry, earth science, computer programming, physics, engineering, mathematics, and more. STEM majors at SMC have gone on to intern at NASA-JPL, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), UCLA, UC Berkeley, Cal Poly Pomona, Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator, Station1 (a social justice focused STEM research program which has placed underrepresented SMC students in internships at Harvard & other Boston-based startups), Base11 (which has placed students at UC Irvine, Caltech, USC, & the Smithsonian), and many more such institutions. Through the SMC STEM Program, originally funded by the U.S. Department of Education Title III Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) grant, SMC provides an educational ecosystem where the academic attainment of Hispanic and low-income students is elevated, pairing rigorous academic preparation with dedicated, institution-wide advocacy and resources. To learn more, visit smc.edu/STEM.

Founded by astronaut, artist, and educator Sian Leo Proctor, the Proctor Foundation is dedicated to expanding access to experiential learning opportunities and encouraging students and educators to apply their talents toward advancing human spaceflight and exploration. The foundation’s work emphasizes the intersection of art and science and aims to broaden participation in the space industry.

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About Santa Monica College:

Santa Monica College is a California Community College accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). For 35 consecutive years, SMC has been California’s leading transfer college to UCLA, UC Berkeley, and other University of California campuses. The college also tops in transfers to the University of Southern California and Loyola Marymount University and is the top feeder outside of New York to the Ivy League Columbia University. As the leading job trainer in Los Angeles’s Westside, the college offers robust career education opportunities, with over 110 degrees and certificates in traditional and emerging fields. SMC provides news and cultural enrichment through its NPR radio station KCRW (89.9 FM), the Eli & Edythe Broad Stage at the SMC Performing Arts Center, and lifelong learning through distinctive programs such as its Emeritus Program for older adults.  

About the Proctor Foundation for Art and Science

The Proctor Foundation for Art and Science is a nonprofit organization committed to increasing access to experiential learning opportunities that connect art, science, and human spaceflight. Through initiatives such as the Space Camp Scholarship, the Foundation supports community college students and educators in pursuing careers that advance innovation, exploration, and a more inclusive space future. For more information, visit proctor.foundation.