RoundupReads Johnson Inspires Future Workforce at Bring Youth to Work Day

Johnson Inspires Future Workforce at Bring Youth to Work Day

by Sumer Loggins | 2024-06-17

NASA’s Johnson Space Center became a playground of discovery and excitement on June 12, 2024, as it welcomed the Artemis Generation for Bring Youth to Work Day. With a turnout of around 1,400 curious minds, Johnson employees highlighted the many career paths at NASA, inspiring the young explorers to dream big and reach for the stars.

Johnson’s parents and volunteers showcased the agency's missions, creating a day that was both educational and inspiring. Youth participated in organization-led hands-on activities, listened to employees share their NASA stories, and had the opportunity to tour the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility and the Mission Control Center Apollo Viewing Room.

A woman in a dark suit and glasses stands at a podium with a microphone, smiling as she speaks. The background features the NASA logo.
NASA’s Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche provided opening remarks in the Teague Auditorium on June 12, 2024, at Bring Youth to Work Day. Credit: NASA/Josh Valcarcel

The event featured a welcome ceremony hosted by Center Director Vanessa Wyche, followed by a demonstration from the Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) and an astronaut presentation. 

Youth explored exhibits in the Teague lobby to learn more about NASA's programs and missions. STEM outreach materials such as stickers, pins, posters, and patches were provided for youth to take home.

A group of children stands on a stage with the NASA logo in the background. The audience sits in rows of seats, watching the presentation, which includes a screen displaying the title 'Train Like An Astronaut' with images of astronauts. A group of children stands in a row on stage in front of the NASA logo. Some children wear NASA-themed t-shirts, while others are dressed casually.

Two young children dressed in blue NASA jumpsuits pose with an adult in a NASA astronaut suit inside a bright, spacious room. The children are smiling and excited, while the astronaut kneels between them, also smiling. A life-size cutout of another astronaut stands in the background.
The Bring Youth to Work Day opening ceremony in Johnson’s Teague Auditorium and lobby featured an interactive experience for youth.
Credit: NASA/Josh Valcarcel

The lobby hosted a variety of activities, including a simulation to ride a lunar rover on the Moon provided by NASA’s Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Program, and an interactive selfie station to pose as if you were aboard the International Space Station. NASA interns hosted internship panels for youth to learn about current opportunities and ask questions.

Youth were able to view and hold real lunar samples from Johnson's Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Division and dock the Orion spacecraft to Gateway in a virtual simulation.

Youth also had the exciting opportunity to hop aboard NASA's space exploration vehicle and ride it all the way from building 1 to building 9, thanks to NASA Engineer Lucien Junkin.

A group of children gathers around a table where a woman in a pink shirt is demonstrating a science experiment involving a tall, bubbling foam column. The classroom setting includes educational materials and a whiteboard in the background. A woman in a pink shirt helps three children operate a large tool that shoots out pink streamers in a classroom. The children are excited and engaged, while other students and adults watch from the background.

The Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division held an interactive science and engineering event for Bring Youth to Work Day. Credit: NASA/Robert Markowitz

Multiple organizations participated in Bring Youth to Work Day, planning activities for our next generation of explorers to enjoy, including cool videos, science demonstrations, and immersive experiences.

The GN&C Development and Testing Branch provided activities and an ice cream social, while the Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division organized an interactive science and engineering event. The Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program featured a treasure hunt and coloring activities. 

Johnson's External Relations Office organized a gathering with the leadership team that featured puzzles and snacks with participants. Youth also had the chance to join in on a social media activity to answer fun space-themed questions on camera.

NASA’s OSTEM provided a unique opportunity for youth to simulate navigating lunar missions to the Moon's surface using remote vehicle operators with the robotic model VIPER Jr. Attendees also enjoyed an interactive experience with the First Woman graphic novels and expressed their creativity through Artemis art, making STEM-themed friendship bracelets.

A young boy wearing a blue NASA jumpsuit interacts with a robotic arm while others watch. A young boy sits at a table, intently playing a lunar surface simulation game on a computer using a controller. The screen shows a lunar rover navigating the Moon's surface.

A group of people, including children and adults, gather around a table at a NASA event. An older man seated at the table is showing a globe and discussing space-related topics. Various NASA posters and displays are visible in the background.
Youth engage in a multitude of activities in the Teague lobby at Bring Youth to Work Day. Credit: NASA/Josh Valcarcel

After an event-packed day at Johnson, food trucks from Jax Burgers, Tutti Treats, Fuego, and Cravin Po Boys were available to serve Johnson employees and their children.

Thanks to Johnson employees and their organizations, NASA is off to a great start in discovering the next generation of astronauts, scientists, engineers, lawyers, communication specialists, and others who will take us to the Moon, Mars, and beyond! 

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Please share your thoughts on how to make this experience even better next year by taking this brief survey.

NOTE: You must be within the JSC firewall and on a NASA device to participate in the survey. 

For more information on NASA resources for kids and students, click here.

Scroll below for more images from Bring Youth to Work Day 2024! 

A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
A group of people, including children and adults, gather inside of a lobby and auditorium at a NASA event.
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