Success Stories
See the Impact. Hear Their Stories.
Success is more than a job title—it’s a transformation. Every student who completes an accelerated training program becomes part of a powerful story: one of resilience, opportunity, and purpose.
From military veterans entering civilian careers to adults discovering new skills in high-demand fields like shipbuilding, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing, our graduates are building the future of national defense—one career at a time.
These are their stories. These are the lives changed through fast, focused, and workforce-ready training.
From Coast to Cosmos: William Buice’s Path to NASA
William Buice, a Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College student and proud member of the Mississippi Army National Guard, is proving that discipline and passion can open doors to extraordinary opportunities. As a participant in NASA’s NCAS Mission 1: Discover, William explored real-world NASA research and connected with leaders in the aerospace field. Balancing military service and rigorous academics, William is preparing for a future that bridges both public service and scientific advancement.
- Mississippi Army National Guard member
- Selected for NASA NCAS Mission 1: Discove
- Committed to pursuing a career in aerospace science.
Being selected for NCAS was more than an honor—it was a confirmation that my goals in science and service are aligned.
– William Buice
Building a Future with NASA: Tyler Nguyen’s Story
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College student and U.S. Army Reservist Tyler Nguyen is combining discipline, drive, and a deep love of science to reach new heights. Through the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) program, Tyler participated in Mission 1: Discover, gaining firsthand experience with NASA’s STEM initiatives and future-focused technologies. Tyler’s journey reflects his commitment to academic excellence, national service, and his dream of one day contributing to space exploration.
- U.S. Army Reservist & full-time MGCCC student
- Selected for NASA NCAS Mission 1: Discover
- Pursuing aerospace engineering with future NASA goals
I’ve always dreamed of working for NASA. This opportunity gave me the motivation to pursue a future in aerospace engineering.
– Tyler Nguyen
Christopher Strunk Reaches for the Stars with NASA NCAS
Christopher Strunk, a dedicated student at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and a member of the Mississippi Army National Guard, recently took his passion for science and service to new heights. Selected for NASA’s NCAS Mission 1: Discover, Christopher gained firsthand experience with NASA’s cutting-edge research while connecting with mentors in aerospace and technology. With a strong foundation in leadership and a drive for discovery, Christopher is charting a path toward a meaningful career in space science and public service.
- Mississippi Army National Guard service member
- Selected for NASA NCAS Mission 1: Discover
- Passionate about aerospace and national defense innovation
NCAS gave me a glimpse into the future I’ve always dreamed of. It inspired me to aim higher—in service and in science.
– Christopher Strunk
Riley Ladner Explores New Frontiers with NASA NCAS
Riley Ladner, a standout student at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, was selected to participate in NASA’s NCAS Mission 1: Discover program. This prestigious experience introduced Riley to NASA’s mission-driven research and expanded her knowledge of STEM careers, space exploration, and collaborative problem-solving. Riley’s commitment to learning and exploration reflects MGCCC’s mission to cultivate future innovators and leaders across Mississippi and beyond.
- Participant in NASA NCAS Mission 1: Discover
- STEM-focused student with strong academic performance
- Interested in scientific research and innovation
Being part of NCAS opened my eyes to just how many opportunities are out there. I left feeling more confident in my future and excited to pursue a career in science.
– Riley Ladner
Zach McNutt Reaches for the Stars with NASA NCAS
Zach McNutt, a dedicated student at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, was chosen for NASA’s NCAS Mission 1: Discover program. Through this immersive experience, Zach explored real-world NASA missions, gained insight into STEM career pathways, and collaborated with peers on space-focused challenges. Zach’s participation in NCAS highlights his passion for learning and the college’s support in guiding students toward high-impact careers.
- Selected for NASA NCAS Mission 1: Discover
- Strong interest in engineering and aerospace
- Committed to pursuing a future in STEM
NASA NCAS gave me direction and drive. I now see a future where I can combine my love for engineering with space exploration.
– Zach McNutt
Aiming High: Lam Tran’s NASA Journey
As a Computer Science student from St. Martin, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Lam Tran is already reaching for the stars—literally. Through the prestigious NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) program, Lam stepped into a leadership role as project manager during Mission 2: Explore, developing technical and leadership skills with a virtual NASA team. His dream? To one day work with NASA full-time and contribute to the future of aerospace technology.
- NCAS Scholar through NASA’s STEM engagement initiative
- Selected for Mission 2: Explore with top-performing students nationwide
- Studying Computer Science with plans to pursue aerospace tech innovation
As the project manager, I was able to enhance my leadership and technical skills in such a short time.
– Lam Tran