The NNSS continues its multi-year investment in Project 150 with the 2025 scholarship award program.
Project 150 serves homeless, displaced and disadvantaged high school students in Southern Nevada with free support and services to remain in school while pursuing higher education and career pathways. One-hundred and two program recipients, 85 of whom are first-generation college students, were awarded $225,000 in scholarship funding from several organizations, including the NNSS, to attend University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV), University of Nevada-Reno (UNR), College of Southern Nevada or Nevada State University.
During a June 18 award ceremony, NNSS Senior Engineer Garrett Oberdin joined a panel of industry leaders to share insights in identifying and exploring educational and professional opportunities, networking, overcoming setbacks and staying true to your passion.
“I always loved engineering, science and STEM,” said Oberdin, a UNR alumnus. “I watched Geordi La Forge save the enterprise from utter destruction I don’t know how many times as a child, but I always felt like it was a world that I couldn’t really be a part of and that I was too much of a joker to be in STEM. I was very intimidated by the field, and I let myself be convinced that I was not serious enough for STEM for a long time.”
Oberdin started his higher education at UNLV as an English major before departing to UNR for psychology studies. It was there he began his investment in STEM — and himself, ultimately pursuing mechanical engineering. Now supporting the NNSS’ Enhanced Capabilities for Subcritical Experiments portfolio, Oberdin is a fixture at NNSS STEM events, speaking to classrooms across the region and engaging students in hands-on demonstrations to bring STEM concepts to life through real-world applications. He is also the founder of STEM for Nevada, a non-profit organization to bring equitable, low-cost and project-based STEM programming to Clark County School District.
“I spent a lot of time looking for a catalyst for ‘where do I need to go, what do I need to be and what should I be doing?’ but I came to the conclusion that sometimes you have to be your own catalyst and chase what you love,” added Oberdin. “I really liked engineering and said, ‘I’m just going to do it and if it’s a terrible mistake, at some point I’ll probably realize it.’ I’ve yet to realize it was a terrible mistake.”
In addition to Project 150, the NNSS commits resources to year-round outreach and engagement events to inspire students in STEM pathways, including STEM Saturdays, Nevada Science Bowl, Clark County School District field trips, the Las Vegas Science & Technology Festival and more.
“Over the last few years, the NNSS has made significant progress in expanding access to educational STEM programming for students across Nevada,” said NNSS Strategic Engagement & Communications Senior Administrative Specialist Brianna Majdanac. “Our existing partnerships with local non-profits and STEM-centered organizations have increased our visibility within the community and allowed us to expand our own educational programming. We have seen a consistent increase in the number of attendees at NNSS-hosted STEM events due to these partnerships and the dedication of NNSS employees. Our employees consistently develop new and innovative hands-on learning experiences while lending their time and knowledge to help inspire students of all ages to continue their pursuit of STEM education.”
