NCS recognizes high school graduates pursuing STEM education at annual scholarship reception

By Cassidy Mills, Staff Writer

April 28, 2026

The National Center for Simulation (NCS) held its annual scholarship reception at Carley Corporation in Orlando on April 23, bringing together students, educators and industry partners to recognize graduating high school seniors pursuing careers in STEM fields.

Through the NCS workforce development scholarship program, recipients were awarded financial support aimed at strengthening the pipeline of future talent entering simulation-related disciplines.

NCS, established in 1993, functions as a coordinating entity that facilitates communication and collaboration among the defense industry, NASA, academic institutions and various government agencies involved in modeling and simulation (M&S).

Lindsey Spalding, director of workforce development at NCS, presented the program slideshow, individually recognized each scholarship recipient, and acknowledged industry partners for their continued support of the scholarship initiative.

“Events like this are about more than scholarships — they’re about building the workforce of tomorrow,” Spalding said. “These students represent the pipeline of talent that will sustain and strengthen the modeling and simulation industry for years to come.”

The scholarship program is part of a broader effort by NCS to introduce students to MS&T concepts early in their education. This includes outreach to elementary and middle school students through programs such as the Gains in the Education of Math and Science (GEMS) summer camps and the Department of Defense’s STARBASE Central Florida initiative.

At the high school level, students have the opportunity to earn a certification in modeling and simulation through NCS. This credential can help students qualify for internships, mentorships, and other educational opportunities related to the simulation field. The overall approach is intended to support students’ continued interest in STEM as they progress through school and into higher education or technical careers.

Abbie Easter, business operations manager at NCS, highlighted current interns within the organization and underscored the program’s sustained impact, noting that many participants initially entered the pipeline as scholarship recipients.

“The progression we’re seeing is exactly what this program was designed to achieve,” Easter said. “It’s been rewarding to watch these students evolve from scholarship awardees into emerging professionals who are now contributing to the community.”