MOREHEAD, Ky. — Over the past two weeks, 24 high school girls interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) careers have honed their skills in space systems engineering through Morehead State University’s SpaceTrek program.


What You Need To Know

  • SpaceTrek is a residential summer program in space engineering systems for girls in ninth through 12th grade 

  • The camp takes place at Morehead State University's Space Science Center 

  • Participants learn to use math and scientific principles to make observations, collect data and draw conclusions 

Rising sophomore Lila Jack said she always had an interest in science because of her dad's profession as a science teacher.

“It’s something that I’ve never had any sort of experience in before, so it’s completely new," Jack said. "It’s been great to see that I can do different things I haven’t seen before or even heard of." 

The freshman to senior girls use math and scientific principles to make observations, collect data and draw conclusions. Jennifer Carter, director of SpaceTrek, said the skills are useful in many fields. 

“It’s the science, technology, engineering and math skills that they learn and develop deep skills in that can take them to many different industries spanning from engineering to astrophysics to biology," Carter said.

Carter said whether the girls choose space systems engineering as a career or not, they walk away feeling empowered.

“I think what SpaceTrek impresses upon young girls is that they can do whatever they want to do and they can solve problems that come their way and ultimately they can be successful," Carter said.

First lady Britainy Beshear visited the camp Wednesday and got to launch her own satellite into space.

“We are leading the way in empowering women and girls to know that they’re capable and that their value is infinite," Beshear said.

Sophia Blose said even girls who don't know much about science or outer space should give the camp a try if there's any interest at all.

“They should definitely do it; they’re going to come out a more confident person, more intelligent," Blose said.

Morehead State is helping launch a program at West Virginia University later this summer.

The program is open to rising freshman, sophomores, juniors or seniors or a rising freshman attending Morehead State University. Dates for next year's camp have yet to be announced.