Seniors from the Fashion Design and Interior Decorating program, at the Niagara Career and Technical Education Center, recently had a visit from Jennifer Leonard, Softgoods Manager from NASA HUNCH. Teacher Debra Wilczak explains that Jennifer came to mentor the Design students and to instruct them on the safety and quality standards of sewn flight articles. The students are sewing bags for astronauts’ personal care items while in flight on the International Space Station. The students are following drawing specifications, quality assurance, and safety documentation set by NASA. “The students are doing an amazing job using their skills, desire to learn, and teamwork to create quality sewn bags for the astronauts. The experience is invaluable to the personal development of each of the students and a great addition to their professional resume, “says Mrs. Wilczak.
The NASA HUNCH program seeks to empower and inspire students through Project Based Learning where high school students learn 21st century skills and have the opportunity to launch their careers through the participation in the design and fabrication of real world valued products for NASA.
Photo Caption (Image 1) Jennifer Leonard instructing the Design students on the sewing procedures to make a personal item bag. (LtoR) Penny Ward (Niagara Falls), Tristan Hume (North Tonawanda), Jennifer Leonard (NASA HUNCH), Carmella Crowley (Lockport), Savana Rabideau (Starpoint), Grace LaRock (Newfane) and Daisy Munir (Niagara Wheatfield).
Photo Caption: (Image 2) Students sewing personal item bags using Juki industrial sewing machines on loan from NASA. (LtoR): Savana Rabideau (Starpoint), Loretta Fusco (Lewiston-Porter) and Grace LaRock (Newfane).
Photo Caption: (Image 3) Jennifer Leonard, from NASA HUNCH, teaching Daisy Munir from Niagara Wheatfield pattern layout and fabric cutting procedures.