NASA’s Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Aerospace Academy (SEMAA) is an innovative national program designed specifically to reach K-12 minority students that are traditionally underrepresented in careers involving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Students meet during school, after school or on Saturday mornings to engage in hands-on, interactive learning sessions that are specifically designed for each grade level. In addition to the academic year program, summer sessions are also conducted at each site. These sessions are held daily for one week at a time. The NASA SEMAA program employs certified K-12 teachers to teach this curriculum.

In 2004 Georgia based SECME, Inc., partnering with Tennessee State University (TSU) was awarded a NASA grant to begin a SEMAA program at TSU. Nashville caught SEMAA fever this past summer as the program had a highly successful beginning in its first elementary and middle school student academies. With a strong marketing campaign, including coverage in the local newspapers and television and an excellent team of partners , 712 students in grades 2 - 7 from 130 different schools in nine different states completed the first SEMAA program ever conducted in the state of Tennessee.

Strong partnerships were forged between Tennessee State University, SECME, Inc. and the Head Science and Mathematics Magnet School (HMMS). HMMS provided space, excellent teachers, and assistance in recruiting. A computer lab for SEMAA use at Head Magnet School was donated by both SECME, Inc. and TSU. An alliance with the Tennessee State Department of Education, Vanderbilt University and Fisk University provided volunteers that assisted more than 300 students in health care and space education. The Bedford County Department of Education and the Golden Eagles provided free airplane flights and visits with astronaut, Winston Scott.