- NASA awarded $10.5 million to seven institutions to launch its new State Hubs initiative
- The hubs will connect employers, colleges and workforce systems to fill technical aerospace jobs
- Selected organizations span Texas, Florida, California, Colorado, Georgia and Minnesota
NASA has awarded roughly $10.5 million to seven institutions across seven states to launch its new NASA Aerospace Skilled Technical Workforce Hubs initiative, the agency said Wednesday.
The NASA State Hubs will align industry employers, community colleges and workforce systems to funnel students into high-demand technical aerospace jobs.
What Is the Purpose of NASA’s New Aerospace Workforce Hubs?
NASA created the State Hubs program to accelerate technical workforce development as the agency pursues crewed lunar and Mars missions.
Elaine Ho, associate administrator for the Office of STEM Engagement, said the space agency is positioned to serve as the catalyst that speeds aerospace workforce growth and cultivates the next generation of technicians.
Which Organizations Are Leading the New State Hubs?
Seven organizations were selected nationwide, including Antelope Valley Community College District in California, Georgia Tech Research Corporation, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and Southern Utah University.
Space Florida, Arapahoe Community College in Colorado and the Texas Space Commission, which recently signed a partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory to tap the state’s commercial space sector for national security work, round out the roster.
How Will the State Hubs Support Long-Term Aerospace Career Pathways?
Over the next three years, awardees will design programs that build skills identified by industry, expand apprenticeships and connect employers with job seekers, targeting roles such as welders, electricians and machinists.
The initiative is funded through NASA’s Next Gen STEM Project and complements NASA Force, a separate initiative to recruit engineers, technologists and other technical professionals into mission-critical roles, along with an earlier workforce partnership NASA formed with the University of Florida, University of Central Florida and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
