Astronaut Katya Echazaretta, self-described as unemotional, doesn’t cry easily. But after her inaugural flight into space last June as a crew member on the Blue Origin NS-21 expedition, she developed a new appreciation for the ground she has walked on her whole life.

“There is life that happens outside of the classroom that affects students' ability to even be present for the STEM classes, and STEM takes a lot out of a person," San Diego City College SACNAS chapter president Dyani Melgarejo said. "We need the support of a community or place to study without distractions.”

The SDCCD Board of Trustees were impressed with the City College MathJam and MESA program during their Sept. 27 board meeting on City College campus.

A cutting edge science center and planetarium will provide students with the tools and resources for success.