Ohio Space Grant Consortium Funded to Continue Student STEM Engagement
Established by Congress in 1989, the Space Grant College and Fellowship Program (Space Grant) is a workforce development initiative administered by NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM). Its mission is to cultivate a highly skilled workforce equipped to support NASA’s goals and strengthen the nation's aerospace industry.
NASA will award up to $870,000 annually to 52 institutions across the United States, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, over the next four years. These strategic investments are designed to foster the next generation of innovators by enhancing workforce development, advancing education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and promoting collaboration in aerospace.
In a statement distributed by NASA regarding Space Grant funding, Torry Johnson, deputy associate administrator of NASA’s STEM Engagement Program said, “The Space Grant program exemplifies NASA’s commitment to cultivating a new generation of STEM leaders. By partnering with institutions across the country, we ensure that students have access to the resources, mentorship, and experiences necessary to succeed in the aerospace workforce.”
Space Grant operates through state-based consortia that include universities, professional associations, government agencies, industry partners, and informal education organizations involved in aerospace initiatives. Each consortium is led by a designated institution that coordinates statewide activities, broadening opportunities for students and researchers while fostering collaboration with NASA and the aerospace sector nationwide.
The Ohio Space Grant Consortia (OSGC) was established in 1989 and has been managed by the Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI) since its inception. OAI is proud to have been announced as the award recipient for Ohio once again, allowing them to continue this important work for Ohio’s students and young innovators. OSCG is currently composed of 26 institutions of higher learning (20 universities and 6 community colleges), NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC), the Air Force Research Laboratories (AFRL), and various education outreach partners.
To learn more about OSGC, visit: https://osgc.org
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About The Ohio Space Grant Consortium
The Ohio Space Grant Consortium (OSGC) was established in 1989 (along with the original Ohio 12-member universities) by the United States Congress and is part of the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program known as “Space Grant” administered through the Office of STEM Engagement at NASA Headquarters. There are 52 consortia, one in each state, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Space Grant is a unique national network of colleges and universities working to expand opportunities for Americans to understand and participate in NASA’s aeronautics and space projects by supporting and enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through scholarships, fellowships, higher education, research infrastructure, pre-college (K-12), and informal education public outreach efforts. The Space Grant national network includes over 1,000 affiliates from universities, colleges, industry, museums, science centers, and state and local agencies. The OSGC is currently composed of 26 institutions of higher learning (20 universities and 6 community colleges), NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC), the Air Force Research Laboratories (AFRL), and various education outreach partners. The OSGC Program Office is located at the Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI) in Cleveland, Ohio.
About Parallax Advanced Research & The Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI)
Parallax is a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit research institute that tackles global challenges through strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academia. It accelerates innovation, addresses critical global issues, and develops groundbreaking ideas with its partners. With offices in Ohio and Virginia, Parallax aims to deliver new solutions and speed them to market. In 2023, Parallax and OAI formed a collaborative affiliation to drive innovation and technological advancements in Ohio and for the nation. OAI plays a pivotal role in advancing the aerospace industry in Ohio and the nation by fostering collaborations between universities, aerospace industries, and government organizations, and managing aerospace research, education, and workforce development projects.