FAMESTM | Finance, Arts, and STEM: NASA astronaut Benjamin Alvin Drew, Jr. Colonel (USAF, ret.) enthralled students attending FAMESTM Summer STEM Program at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington (BGCGW) with a breathtaking presentation of his journeys to space. Drew was introduced by Mr. Michael McDonald, BGCGW’s Regional Vice President for DC and Maryland. Mr. Jim Almond, BGCGW’s Interim President & CEO
also attended. Students were astonished to learn that Drew, who grew up in DC, went to Summer Camp just like them and first thought of becoming an astronaut at the age of 5. His parents encouraged him and told him to keep up the grades, which he did. After high school, he academic achievements earned him an opportunity to 
attend the United States Air Force Academy where he received both a Bachelor of Science in Astronautical Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Physics. He continued his education receiving two Masters (listed below). During his military career Drew held the rating of Command Pilot-Astronaut with over 4,000 flying hours at the controls of more than 30 types of aircraft. A graduate of the Naval Test Pilot school, he commanded two flight test organizations were he also functioned as a test pilot. He also was a Special Operations/Combat Rescue pilot, flying over 60 combat missions. His vast experience and academic accomplishments eventually led to his acceptance into NASA’s astronaut program. You can find out more about Drew’s achievements here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChpcD1zxt2c (courtesy of the United States Air Force).
Drew joined NASA as a mission specialist astronaut in 2000 logging more than 612 hours in space aboard two Space Shuttle missions to
assemble the International Space Station (ISS). Mission Specialists are highly trained astronauts that carry out specific duties related to science and technology activities in space. For STS-118 (2007) Drew was Mission Specialist Five (MS5) aboard the 119th space shuttle flight, the 22nd flight to the station, and the 20th flight for Endeavour. During the mission Endeavour’s crew successfully added a structural truss segment, an attitude control gyroscope and an external spare parts stowage platform to the International Space Station. A new system that enabled docked shuttles to draw electrical power from the station to extend visits to the outpost was activated. A total of four spacewalks (EVAs) were performed by three crewmembers. Traveling 5.3 million miles in space, the STS-118 mission was completed in 12 days, 17 hours, 55 minutes and 34 seconds.
For STS-133 (February 24 – March 9, 2011) Drew was Mission Specialist One (MS1) aboard the 39th and final mission for Space Shuttle Discovery. During the 13-day flight, the Discovery crew delivered the final US module, the Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM) and the fourth Express Logistics Carrier (ELC4) to the ISS. The crew also delivered critical spare components including Robonaut 2, the first human-like robot in space. The mission’s two space walks outfitted the truss of the station and completed a variety of other upgrades to space station systems. The mission completed 202 Earth orbits, traveling 5.3 million miles in 12 days, 19 hours and 3 minutes. Upon completion of the mission Drew joined the crew of STS-133 when they met President Barak Obama to celebrate the success of the mission. You can watch Drew in action working on the ISS here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OUTa8RhZvI (courtesy of NASA).
Drew’s presentation generated a lot of questions from the students who asked about space suits, an astronaut’s diet in space, and whether he was afraid being up there. His candid 
and thoughtful answers were welcomed by the students and each of them learned a great deal. A gracious and humble man, he spent a long time chatting with the students and posing for pictures with them. Drew volunteered his time for FAMES Summer STEM Program at BGCGW on August 3, 2016. Over 40 students from grades 6-9 and the summer camp student counselors attended the presentation. His presentation made a huge difference in the way the students thought about college and future employment opportunities. One student summed up Drew’s visit perfectly: “It does not matter where you’re from, you can accomplish anything.” Another student wrote: “He also inspired me to actually want to go to college for being an astronaut.” Similar sentiments were echoed by many students. An inspiring speaker, his message comes from the mind and heart of a person whose life experiences make him a natural leader with a great compassion for young people everywhere. He is passionate about STEM education and volunteers time in DC schools. According to Drew “Volunteering for STEM is the second best thing about being an astronaut, but a close second to actually flying in space.”
Benjamin Alvin Drew (Colonel, USAF, ret.) is a NASA astronaut. He flew on the Space Shuttle mission STS-118 in 2007 and on STS-133 in 2011 to the
International Space Station. STS-133 was Space Shuttle Discovery’s final mission. Col. Drew became the 200th person to walk in space, and the crew delivered Robonaut 2, the first humanlike robot in space, to the International Space Station. Col. Drew received many awards, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Achievement Medal, NASA Spaceflight Medal (2), to name a few. Currently, he is on detail from NASA to the Office of Science and Technology Policy, White House. He serves as the Assistant Director for Space and Aviation Security, National Security & International Affairs. Col. Drew received Master of Aerospace Science from Embry-Riddle University and Master of Strategic Studies from the Air War College at the United States Air Force’s Air University and Honorary Doctor of Philosophy from Abertay University, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom.
On June 22, 2016 FAMESTM launched its eight week long Summer STEM Program for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington DC. Professionals who are actively working in 
STEM-related fields are invited to act as role models by talking to the students about their career path and their current work. These presentations expose the students to science and engineering beyond what their classroom education can provide. FAMESTM (www.famesusa.org) is a non-profit organization dedicated to mentoring and educating disadvantaged youth in Grades 4-12 in finance, arts, and STEM subjects, mainly during after school and summer programs. Through hands-on, computer-based and technology programs, our goal is to create a broader awareness in these areas, and inspire the curiosity that motivates students to want to know more. FAMES partners with schools, youth organizations, and sports clubs located in underprivileged areas, as well as other non-profits with complementary missions. By offering relevant and engaging programs, our ultimate goal is to increase opportunity for underprivileged youth so they grow up to be significant contributors to society.