Dallas, TX – National Math and Science Initiative proudly celebrates the 30th anniversary of former CEO Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr.’s historic spacewalk. On Feb. 9, 1995, Dr. Harris became the first African American astronaut to walk in space during the Space Shuttle Discovery mission STS-63. Since then, he has dedicated his life to advancing STEM education and inspiring future generations.
Dr. Harris’ passion for space was ignited at the age of 13 when he watched the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969. Determined to become an astronaut, he pursued degrees in biology and medicine, later completing a residency at the Mayo Clinic and a fellowship at NASA’s Ames Research Center.
In 1990, Dr. Harris was selected by NASA as an astronaut candidate. He flew on two space shuttle missions: as a mission specialist on STS-55 in 1993 and as the payload commander on STS-63 in 1995. It was during the latter mission that he performed his now historic spacewalk.
“Dr. Harris’ journey exemplifies the transformative power of STEM education,” said Jeremy Anderson, CEO of NMSI. “His unwavering commitment to expanding STEM opportunities for all students continues to inspire educators and students alike.”
Advancing STEM Education Through Leadership and Advocacy
Dr. Harris, a founding board member and former CEO of NMSI, has long championed equitable access to high-quality STEM education. He founded the Harris Foundation and Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding STEM opportunities for underserved students. Through initiatives like the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp, his work has inspired countless young minds to explore STEM careers.
In recognition of his efforts in advancing STEM education, Dr. Harris received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in August 2024.
“Middle school is a critical time when many students begin to doubt their potential in STEM,” said Dr. Harris. “But that’s when I realized it was my path. I hope my journey inspires young minds to stay curious, pursue STEM, and believe in their ability to achieve greatness.”
STEM Education: A Pathway to the Future
The need for high-quality STEM education is more critical than ever, with STEM occupations projected to grow by nearly 11% by 2031—more than twice the rate of all other fields, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
NMSI’s Professional Development Services equip educators with the tools, resources, and support they need to build impactful STEM programs, inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders like Dr. Harris. To date, these services have reached over 2.7 million students, 70,000 teachers, 1,800 high schools, and 44 universities nationwide.
Students taught by NMSI-trained educators show increased confidence and interest in STEM subjects, with Black students demonstrating a notable rise in STEM career aspirations—underscoring the power of dedicated educators and equitable access to quality STEM education.
Join the Movement
As we celebrate this significant milestone, NMSI remains committed to honoring Dr. Harris’ legacy by empowering educators and inspiring students to reach for the stars.
Educators and policymakers can explore NMSI’s Professional Development Services and discover how they can support the next generation of STEM leaders. Learn more at https://www.nms.org/Services.aspx.
About National Math and Science Initiative
National Math and Science Initiative is dedicated to improving student outcomes in math and science, particularly in underserved communities. By providing educators with high-quality professional development and support, NMSI ensures that all students have access to the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. For more information, visit http://www.nms.org.
