Arapahoe Community College named NASA Aerospace Hub with $1.3 million funding

Arapahoe Community College and its Colorado Space Institute have been selected as one of seven NASA State Hubs for Aerospace Skilled Technical Workforce Development.

The designation will provide $1.3 million in federal funding over three years for a statewide effort to connect students with aerospace training and career opportunities. The hub will focus on technical jobs that generally do not require a four-year degree.

The Colorado Space Institute will coordinate with community colleges, high school career and technical education programs, workforce organizations and aerospace employers. The partners will develop training pathways that connect coursework with industry certifications, college degrees and jobs.

“By aligning training with employer needs, we can prepare more students for careers that support both Colorado’s aerospace economy and NASA’s mission,” institute Director Grace Crain-Wright said.

The institute plans to launch an associate of applied science degree in space science technology at Arapahoe Community College in fall 2027. For-credit programming is expected to begin in spring 2027, supplementing noncredit courses already offered.

Coursework will include computer-aided design, Python programming, technical writing, business and data ethics and soldering certifications for aerospace applications.

The institute also plans to create a program called A Work-Tank for Colorado’s Aerospace Industry, allowing students and employers to collaborate on projects and industry challenges. Employers will identify needed occupations and skills so educators can develop training based on workforce demand.

“This award positions the Colorado Space Institute at ACC to move forward in developing our nation’s skilled aerospace technical workforce while strengthening the alignment between education and industry in Colorado,” ACC President Stephanie J. Fujii said.

Colorado has more than 2,000 aerospace businesses supporting about 55,000 direct jobs and 184,000 indirect jobs, according to the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. The number of aerospace companies in the state has increased 24% over the past five years.