FROM STAFF REPORTS

Isaiah Alexander of Calera has been awarded a scholarship to attend Space Camp in Huntsville at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.

Alexander was one of only 36 students selected for a full-tuition scholarship.

Scholarship competition is keen, requiring a student to submit an application with a detailed description of a science experiment, an essay, a mission patch design and three letters of recommendation.

Only 10 percent of those applying this year received full scholarships.

“This process attracts bright, motivated students from across the world,” says Larry R. Capps, chief executive officer of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. “To win a full scholarship, a student must submit a truly outstanding application. I congratulate Isaiah on earning a place in the 2008 scholarship class.”

Space Camp has been helping to prepare the next generation of scientists, engineers and mathematicians for more than 25 years and has evolved into an internationally-known program with nearly 510,000 alumni.

The camp, which is based on NASA’s astronaut training program, focuses on teamwork and leadership. Real-world applications of math, science and technology are presented as students learn to fly the shuttle, participate in space walks and build robots.