What we do and fund

Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium, established in 1989 by NASA, prepares students for the workforce of tomorrow through hands-on education and research.

Build the next generation of explorers and engage students to build a diverse future STEM workforce, the Washington Space Grant has established four consortium priorities. 

  1. Support marginalized students in STEM with direct funding. 
  2. Develop authentic student learning experiences to build technical, professional, and equity-centered skills. 
  3. Partner with schools operated by an Indian Tribe or a Tribal organization to support Indigenous youth’s engagement in meaningful STEM experiences.
  4. Engage with K-12 educational entities that serve mid-high or high-poverty student populations (50% or more students who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.)

Our mission

Our mission is to enhance higher education opportunities for students seeking to pursue careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM); to enrich and improve STEM education at Washington’s diverse pre-college, college, university and community learning centers; and to provide public outreach for NASA missions, and thereby strengthen the future workforce for NASA and our nation.

Join us

While The William E. Boeing Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics at the University of Washington hosts our offices, more than a dozen institutions within the state of Washington form the Consortium. We are open to new affiliates, so browse our opportunities or contact us at nasa@uw.edu.

We serve the entire state of Washington through Space Grant programs at the following affiliates:

  • Bellevue College
  • Central Washington University
  • Everett Community College
  • Geeking Out Kids of Color
  • Heritage University
  • Museum of Flight
  • North Seattle College
  • Northwest Indian College
  • Pacific Science Center
  • Peninsula College
  • Pierce College — Fort Steilacoom
  • University of Washington
  • Washington State University
  • Western Washington University
  • Whitworth University

Additional support

We also receive support for our programs thanks to funding from the following generous organizations: