Katherine Johnson's Journey: College, Graduate School, and Early Career

Katherine Johnson, a brilliant mathematician, showed a passion for learning from a young age. She graduated high school at 14 and college at 18, despite limited job opportunities for African American women in the 1930s. Initially working as a teacher, she later attended West Virginia University as one of its first African American students. A relative informed her about job openings at NACA, where she eventually secured a position, thanks to Executive Order 8802. Her journey highlights her determination and the gradual opening of opportunities for African American women in STEM fields.

At what age did Katherine Johnson complete her college education?

• 18

• 16

• 22

• 20

What profession did Katherine Johnson initially pursue after graduating from college?

• Nurse

• Teacher

• Accountant

• Engineer

Which university offered Katherine Johnson a tuition-free graduate program?

• Yale University

• West Virginia University

• Harvard University

• Princeton University

Which U.S. President signed the Executive Order 8802 that influenced Katherine's career?

• President Roosevelt

• President Hoover

• President Coolidge

• President Truman

What was the primary reason NACA sought to hire African American women for mathematical computations?

• They were recommended by universities.

• They were more affordable to hire.

• They were believed to be more detail-oriented.

• They had more experience in engineering.