NASA has awarded approximately $10.5 million to seven institutions to help strengthen and streamline state-based pathways for students into skilled technical jobs in the aerospace industry.

In my home state of California, Antelope Valley Community College (North of LA, near Edwards Air Force Base & the Mojave Spaceport), is building a regionally grounded aerospace workforce ecosystem designed to meet urgent industry needs through the Southern California NAS_Hub. The initiative creates clear, stackable pathways that guide learners from high school career and technical education into hands-on college programs, micro-internships, cooperative education, registered apprenticeships, and direct employment in high-demand aerospace roles.

Led by Antelope Valley College with key partners MiraCosta Community College (San Diego) and Pasadena City College, the Hub is structured to rapidly produce job-ready technicians who can support NASA missions and the broader aerospace industry.

Details about the state hubs can be found at: https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/nasa-state-hubs/