The Palmetto Research Academy, PRA, provides undergraduate students with opportunities to conduct NASA-related research during the summer, thereby advancing high quality STEM education using NASAs unique capabilities. The PRA combines the best of two programs, the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) and NASA Academy, providing students with a meaningful NASA- related research experience. The PRA has received rave reviews from students and mentors alike. Faculty mentors have praised the Academys design, implementation, and quality of the students. Each summer, students travel to a NASA center to meet scientists and interns. These meetings, along with their research experience, have inspired several participants to apply as NASA interns one of the programs criteria of success. Like the REU program, the PRA helps to meet the nation and NASAs need for skilled science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workers. The PRA provides research experiences for undergraduate students that have direct relevance to NASA missions and contributes to NASAs goal of developing a diverse, competitive, and globally-engaged STEM workforce. PRA faculty mentors work on NASA research, which strengthens their relationships with NASA scientists. These collaborations provide research partnerships that ensure sustainability of NASA research in SC beyond the PRA time period. Mirroring aspects of the NASA Academy Program, the PRA emphasizes networking and leadership development along with meaningful research and an engaging outreach project. Like the NASA Academy, the PRA is an immersive and integrated multidisciplinary research experience for students with various backgrounds and career aspirations. The PRA hosts speakers to provide students with inside information about NASA research and management. The PRA students and mentors travel to a NASA Center, to meet NASA scientists and engineers, and to share their experiences with NASA interns, providing continuity across NASA programs.

Students participating in the Palmetto Academy program will be introduced to an educational / outreach activity regarding the communication of scientific research to the general public. During this ten-week period, the students continually communicate their efforts and results with the SCSGC office as well as work on an informal outreach plan showcasing NASA STEM to students and the general public.