MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, UNITED STATES, January 31, 2018 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Around the world, young people are accomplishing amazing things in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). The Mars Generation is proud to announce its first 24 Under 24 Leaders and Innovators in STEAM and Space Awards winners.

“The young individuals recognized with the 24 Under 24 have demonstrated innovation and tenacity that will drive us toward a brighter future in scientific enterprise,” said Abigail Harrison, founder of The Mars Generation (TMG).

“We are honored to be joined by our esteemed sponsors Aerojet Rocketdyne and United Launch Alliance (ULA) in presenting the 2018 awards,” said Harrison. She said having two leaders in the industry play an important role in announcing the award was a testimony to the companies’ commitment to advancing STEAM.

“We are glad to partner with The Mars Generation for these awards,” said Tory Bruno, CEO of United Launch Alliance and TMG Advisory Board member. “Together, we continue to foster enthusiastic young minds. Sponsoring the next generation of space explorers and youth interested in STEAM benefits nearly every industry.”

The number of submissions for a first-time award was impressive, explained Harrison. Having sponsors like Aerojet Rocketdyne and ULA elevated the visibility for nominations.

Julie VanKleeck, Vice President of Advanced Space and Launch Programs and Strategy at Aerojet Rocketdyne and also a TMG Advisory Board member, said the company was excited to support the 24 Under 24 Awards: “As we work on projects that enhance our understanding of space, it’s important to inspire the upcoming generation to go even further.”

“While these students all have a passion for STEAM and/or space, it is their ability to set their passion in motion at such a young age that has earned them a place in our 2018 class,” said Harrison.

The 2018 winners of the 24 Under 24 Leaders and Innovators in STEAM and Space Awards:

To learn more about the accomplishments of each winner please click here.

1. Canda Atalay, 18 (Turkey)
2. Deepack Atyam, 24 (United States)
3. Rebecca Baron, 17 (Canada)
4. Darren Charrier, 21 (Canada)
5. Joaquin Cortacans, 17 (Uruguay)
6. Bethany Downer, 23 (Canada)
7. Paoloa Figueroa-Delgado, 22 (Puerto Rico)
8. Jacqueline Grundfast, 17 (United States)
9. Pranvera Hyseni, 22 (Kosovo)
10. Roger Lascorz, 24 (Catalonia)
11. Kaitlyn Ludlam, 15 (United States)
12. Tessa McEvoy, 17 (United States)
13. Katherine McKinney, 17 (United States)
14. Maanasa Mendu, 13 (United States)
15. Collin Mitchell, 18 (United States)
16. Temidayo Oniosun, 22 (Nigeria)
17. Mylena Peixoto, 17 (Brazil)
18. Olivia Scharfman, 20 (United States)
19. Julie Sage, 13 (United States)
20. Krittanon Pond Sirorattanakul, 22 (Thailand)
21. Lisa Stojanovski, 24 (Australia)
22. Shi Tuck, 19 (United States)
23. Allie Weber, 12 (United States)
24. Melissa Vasquez-Hornik, 24 (United States)

About The Mars Generation
The Mars Generation is a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit with an advisory board that includes astronauts, engineers, scientists and professionals from the nonprofit and business communities. With an estimated reach of more than 25 million people since 2015 and a social media following of more than 1.1 million people the organization has served more than 10,200 students and adults from around the world through multiple programs including the Student Space Ambassador Program, Future of Space Outreach Program and Space Camp Scholarship Program. TMG is supported by over 450 donors, 1,100 members, and leading space industry sponsors. Through an innovative approach of leveraging new media technology and providing engaging content and programs the organization aims to excite and educate students and adults about the importance of human space exploration and STEAM education to the future of humankind.

About Aerojet Rocketdyne
Aerojet Rocketdyne is an innovative company delivering solutions that create value for its customers in the aerospace and defense markets. The company is a world-recognized aerospace and defense leader that provides propulsion and energetics to the space, missile defense and strategic systems, tactical systems and armaments areas, in support of domestic and international markets. Additional information about Aerojet Rocketdyne can be obtained by visiting www.Rocket.com and www.AerojetRocketdyne.com.

About United Launch Alliance
With more than a century of combined heritage, United Launch Alliance is the nation’s most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 120 satellites to orbit that aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, provide critical capabilities for troops in the field and enable personal device-based GPS navigation.

Yvonne Hundshamer
The Mars Generation
612-670-0337
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