From Community College to the Cosmos: Tucker Porter’s Aerospace Engineering Journey

Tucker Porter’s academic journey began at Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) and took off when he transferred to the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University. Now a full-time aeronautical engineer at Northrop Grumman, Tucker’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and smart planning—starting with a strategic decision to attend community college.

“I had graduated high school 10 years prior and needed to carefully watch my finances,” Tucker said. “I wanted a slower start into my next degree.”

Tucker entered CGCC with a clear goal: to pursue aerospace engineering and contribute to the advancement of space flight technology. He chose his major from day one, and his determination never wavered.

Transferring to ASU was a natural next step. Tucker credits MyPath2ASU®—ASU’s guided transfer pathway program—with making the process smooth and stress-free.

“ASU had everything I needed: a top-tier aerospace engineering program, it was close to family, and MyPath2ASU made transferring easy.”

His hard work paid off. Through ASU, Tucker landed an internship with Northrop Grumman, which led to a full-time position in the aerospace industry.

“Work hard, prioritize your classes and homework, and make an internship a priority,” he advises future transfer students. “It’s a sure way to a smooth transition into a career, which is the point of college!”

For students considering their own transfer journey, Tucker’s story is a powerful reminder that a strong start from a Maricopa Community College, paired with a clear path through MyPath2ASU, can lead to incredible opportunities.  Visit www.asu.edu/mypath2asu.