The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) has been awarded a $3.4 million grant from NASA, aimed at enhancing STEM education and research across the state. This four-year funding will be managed by the Nevada Space Grant Consortium (NVSGC), which will facilitate connections between students, faculty, and NASA's mission, while promoting workforce development.
"This award strengthens Nevada’s efforts to grow a highly skilled STEM workforce and connect our students to NASA’s mission," stated Amy J. Carvalho, Chair of the Board of Regents. "Through these programs, students and faculty gain valuable experience that opens doors to new opportunities in STEM."
The grant will support various initiatives such as internships, fellowships, scholarships for NSHE students, curriculum development grants for faculty, research infrastructure projects aligned with NASA's goals, and pre-college STEM education initiatives.
Dr. Eric Wilcox, Project Director for NVSGC and Nevada NASA EPSCoR emphasized the significance of this award: "NASA Space Grant is a vital element of achieving the STEM education and workforce development goals of NSHE, Nevada, and NASA," he said. He highlighted the program's role in providing hands-on experiences for students across NSHE campuses.
Chancellor Matt McNair remarked on the impact of this grant: "This grant empowers students and faculty across Nevada to tackle some of the most exciting challenges in space and STEM fields. It strengthens Nevada’s leadership in STEM education and drives innovation statewide."
The NVSGC is part of NASA’s National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program established by Congress in 1989. This initiative includes 52 state-based consortia supporting student preparation for STEM careers nationwide.
In Nevada specifically, all NSHE institutions are involved in delivering authentic STEM education linked to NASA through student internships, faculty research opportunities, and K-12 outreach programs that integrate real-world experiences into classrooms statewide.
For more information about the Nevada Space Grant Consortium visit https://nasa.epscorspo.nevada.edu/.