NASA Establishes State Hubs to Grow Technical Aerospace Workforce

NASA announced the new NASA Aerospace Skilled Technical Workforce Hubs initiative, or NASA State Hubs, awarding about $10.5 million to seven institutions to strengthen state-based pathways into skilled technical aerospace careers. Citing the urgent and growing need for technical talent as NASA returns to the Moon and aims for Mars, Elaine Ho, associate administrator for the Office of STEM Engagement, said NASA is positioned to accelerate workforce development and foster the next generation of technicians.

The hubs will act as strategic conveners, bringing together industry employers, community colleges, high school career and technical education programs, and workforce systems. Over the next three years, the selected organizations will create programs to build skills identified by industry leaders, illuminate career pathways through education and apprenticeships, and connect employers with job seekers. The awarded organizations are: Antelope Valley Community College District (Lancaster, California); Georgia Tech Research Corporation; Minnesota State Colleges and Universities; Southern Utah University; Space Florida; the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupation Education / Arapahoe Community College (Littleton, Colorado); and the Texas Space Commission.

The cooperative agreements are funded by NASA's Office of STEM Engagement through its Next Gen STEM Project, which prepares high school and community college students for aerospace careers through strategic partnerships and competitive awards. The initiative aims to build the skilled technical workforce needed to support NASA's exploration goals and the broader aerospace industry.