Thomas Nelson Community College is one of the first SpaceTEC^® partners. Adjacent to NASA/Langley, the college has two degree programs in support of the SpaceTEC^®curricula, one in materials science and the other in engineering technology. Certification testing is administered on the TNCC campus by our own SpaceTEC^® examiner. 

This materials curriculum begins with the study of materials including their structures, processing, properties and selection for various products and functions.Recent developments in materials science have influenced the areas of transportation, aerospace, defense industries, manufacturing and medicine. New and improved materials and processes are developed to enhance product design and quality.
Our advanced materials program includes composites, ceramics, polymers and metals.  Students learn to work with composites made of two or more organic or inorganic compounds that form a matrix embedded with fibers. Composite graphite is used in aircraft for lighter weight and increased fuel efficiency.  Ceramics tolerate hotter temperatures than metals and were used on the space shuttle.

The engineering curriculum was developed with the support of business and industry.This curriculum combines all the areas of knowledge demanded of the new engineering technician. Graduates have a broad skill base that is desirable in a wide variety of employment opportunities. Our program includes courses in electronics, robotics, lasers, fiber optics, drafting and machining.
Thomas Nelson Community College is also positioning students for careers in the aerospace industry. Beginning August 2007, a new SpaceTEC^® cooperative education program developed by the College and NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) will provide federal work experience for eligible students committed to simultaneously earning an Associate Degree in either Mechanical Engineering Technology or Electronics with a specialization in Electrical Engineering Technology.
This program provides on-the-job training in both mechanical and electrical engineering technology. The arrangement between NASA LaRC and TNCC allows students to work 20 hours per week while attending classes full-time as a student. NASA Langley is now working on the new Constellation space program that will be replacing the Space Shuttle in 2010. Those accepted will gain valuable career experience in a number of areas at NASA including, research, flight operations and simulation, fabrication technology and center operation, among other areas that are critical to space exploration.
This opportunity includes a very competitive salary, government employment benefits, and paid tuition and books. Upon successful completion of nine semesters of work experience, and meeting the academic requirements for their selected Associate in Applied Science degree, co-op students take the SpaceTEC^® certification exam. Students who successfully pass the SpaceTEC^® exam receive national certification as an aerospace technician. Additionally, passing exam scores are used as the entry requirement into the NASA Apprentice School, and the student is promoted as a beginning fourth year apprentice.
TNCC was recently selected to host the annual SpaceTEC^® conference. This May, TNCC will host the 3 day national conference with participants from Community Colleges nationwide, NASA, and representatives from the space industry.