NASA Establishes State Hubs to Grow Technical Aerospace Workforce

• NASA has awarded approximately $10.5 million to seven institutions to strengthen pathways for students into skilled technical aerospace jobs.
• The 'NASA Aerospace Skilled Technical Workforce Hubs' initiative aims to address the urgent talent gap in roles such as welders, electricians, and machinists as the agency expands missions to the Moon and Mars.
• Over the next three years, these hubs will act as intermediaries between industry employers, community colleges, and technical education programs to align training with labor market demands.

Awarded Institutions

• Antelope Valley Community College District, California
• Georgia Tech Research Corporation
• Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
• Southern Utah University
• Space Florida
• Colorado State Board for Community Colleges and Occupation Education, Arapahoe Community College
• Texas Space Commission

Program Objectives

• The initiative is funded by NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement through its 'Next Gen STEM Project.'
• Hubs are designed to create clear career pathways, including apprenticeships, that help high school and community college students secure high-demand aerospace positions.
• This investment serves as a strategy to build national technical expertise and sustain the current 'Golden Age' of space exploration and innovation.