NASA Commits $10.5 Million to Workforce Pipeline

NASA is putting $10.5 million behind an effort to funnel more students into the aerospace industry, awarding grants to seven organizations tasked with building state-level pathways for advanced technical training.

The funding comes through NASA’s Aerospace Skilled Technical Workforce Hubs initiative, known as NASA State Hubs. Recipients are Antelope Valley Community College District in Lancaster, California; Georgia Tech Research; Minnesota State Colleges and Universities; Southern Utah University; Space Florida; Arapahoe Community College in Littleton, Colorado; and Texas Space Commission.

Each hub will spend the next three years connecting employers, community colleges, and high school career-training programs around a shared set of skills. The goal is to grow the ranks of welders, electricians, machinists, and other workers with advanced science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills.

“The need for technical talent is already urgent and will only continue to grow as we return humanity to the Moon and set our sights on Mars and beyond,” said Elaine Ho, associate administrator for NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement.

NASA’s Next Gen STEM project is funding the cooperative agreements. Four of the seven host states—California, Florida, Georgia, and Texas—are also home to major aircraft and engine manufacturers, along with the maintenance, repair, and overhaul operations that keep them flying.