Students in Bearden’s “Principles of Engineering” class were tasked with designing, building and testing a high-tech machine to compete in NASA’s Human Exploration Rover Challenge. The competition mimics opportunities, challenges and decision-making future explorers will face in interplanetary space. In 2018-19, the Foundation awarded funds to help purchase the wide range of materials necessary. The program is an excellent example of the rigorous problem-solving fundamental to STEM education.