Save the Date for Upcoming 40th COMMEMORATION EVENT on February 28, 2026 at Space Center Houston
Dr. Ronald E. McNair Educational (DREME) Science Literacy Foundation Overview
The Dr. Ronald E. McNair Educational (DREME) Science Literacy Foundation, a non profit 501 (c) 3 organization, honors the life and legacy of the late Dr. Ronald E. McNair. Dr. McNair was born of meager conditions in Lake City, South Carolina. He became valedictorian of his high school class and overcame various obstacles to achieve a B.S. in Physics from North Carolina A&T State University, and a Ph.D. in Physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, positions as a research physicist at Hughes Research Laboratory in Malibu, California, and a mission specialist astronaut for NASA, in 1978. Dr. McNair spoke to many youths in schools across the nation encouraging them to reach achievements and goals. Dr. McNair perished in 1986, onboard the ill-fated space shuttle Challenger, but his education inspiration legacy continues through the foundation.
Mission
Inspired by the life and legacy of the late Dr. Ronald E. McNair, a physicist and astronaut who perished onboard the ill-fated Challenger 51L mission of 1986, this organization was created to promote educational programs designed to improve and strengthen learning of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at all levels, elementary through high school and college, as a pipeline towards careers in these areas.
Mission Objectives
- To promote and improve learning of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), literacy in elementary, intermediate, high school grades and college especially as STEM relates to everyday situations, particularly to engineering, energy, chemistry, physics, etc.
- To facilitate learning through hands-on experience and instructions
- To provide awareness of careers in the fields of STEM
- To build confidence and self-esteem in students pursuing careers in STEM area
- To support organizations educating youth in the STEM area
Implementation
The year of 2026 the DREME foundation is remembering Dr. Ronald E. McNair by continuing his education legacy, by providing support to the Bronze Eagles Flying Club located in Houston, Texas. This flying club provides scholarships for youth seeking training as pilots. Scholarships will also go to college students seeking STEM college degrees.
Below please view past activities of the DREME Foundation
Young Scientists in Training
STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education. We focus on these areas together not only because the skills and knowledge in each discipline are essential for student success, but also because these fields are deeply intertwined in the real world and in how students learn most effectively.
Summer College Engineering Internships
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Computer Science
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Engineering Technology, Computer Technology, and Technology majors are ineligible.
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Scholarships
The DREME Foundation has awarded scholarships directly to deserving students…
SUMMER STEM YOUTH ACADEMY
“STEM-OVATION and CAREER PREPARATION”
Click here for more information
DREME Camp – Community Science Fair Photos
Whether or not you reach your goals in life depends entirely on how well you prepare for them and how badly you want them. You’re eagles! Stretch your wings and fly to the sky.