Conference 7.286::space

702.0. "Twenty-six Space Grant State Consortia selected" by PRAGMA::GRIFFIN (Dave Griffin) Thu Feb 07 1991 17:35

From: [email protected] (Peter E. Yee)
Date: 6 Feb 91 20:07:53 GMT
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA

Terri Sindelar
Headquarters, Washington, D.C.                   February 6, 1991
(Phone:  202/453-8400)                  Embargoed until 2 p.m. ET


RELEASE:  91-19

TWENTY-SIX SPACE GRANT STATE CONSORTIA SELECTED


     NASA today announced the selection of 26 Space Grant State 
Consortia, resulting from the Phase II competition of the 
National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program.  These newly 
selected consortia represent 132 colleges, universities and 
industrial partners, bringing the total number of participating 
institutions to more than 300 in 46 states and the District of 
Columbia.

     In keeping with the Space Grant objective to form a national 
network of universities with interests and capabilities in 
aeronautics, space and related fields, Phase II geographically 
broadens participation and includes institutions with modest 
aerospace activity as well as institutions with substantial NASA 
involvement.  Phase II - the Space Grant State Consortia - offers 
previously non-designated states the opportunity to receive 
either Space Grant Program Grants or Capability Enhancement 
Grants.

     Space Grant Program Grants were targeted to states with 
colleges and universities involved in nationally competitive 
aerospace research and educational programs.  The 4-year, 
$150,000-per-year grant will be used to initiate new programs and 
strengthen existing capabilities.

     The 14 recipients of program grants are Alaska, Delaware, 
District of Columbia, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, 
Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, 
Rhode Island and Wisconsin.

     Capability Enhancement Grants were targeted to states with 
limited aerospace activity.  The 4-year, $150,000 annual grant 
will be used to enhance aerospace research and education 
infrastructure.  The 12 recipients are Arkansas, Connecticut, 
Idaho, Louisiana, Maine, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, 
South Dakota, South Carolina and West Virginia.

     Both grants require partial matching non-federal funds and 
will be used in part to sponsor fellowship programs for both 
undergraduate and graduate students.  Interested educational 
institutions collaborated and submitted one proposal per state.

     The National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program was 
authorized by Congress to help strengthen and enhance, through 
the nation's universities, U.S. capabilities in aerospace science 
and technology.  

     In 1989, NASA implemented Phase I of the program by 
selecting 21 universities and consortia with notable capabilities 
in aerospace research, education and public service as Designated 
Space Grant Colleges and Consortia.  

     NASA Administrator Richard H. Truly said, "The 21 designated 
consortia along with the newly selected 26 state consortia 
encompass over 300 colleges, universities, nonprofit 
organizations, industry, national laboratories and state 
governments, and together will have a significant educational 
impact throughout the nation.  NASA and the aerospace community 
are committed to cooperative, measurable and long-term 
improvements in the nation's math and science education."

     Objectives of the program are:  to establish a national 
network of universities with interests and capabilities in 
aeronautics, space and related fields; to encourage cooperative 
programs among universities, aerospace industry and federal, 
state and local governments; to encourage interdisciplinary 
training, research and public-service programs related to 
aerospace; to recruit and train professionals, especially women, 
underrepresented minorities and persons with disabilities, for 
careers in aerospace science and technology; and to promote a 
strong science, mathematics and technology education base from 
elementary through university levels.  

     A list of consortium institutions can be obtained by phoning 
the NASA Headquarters Newsroom on 202/453-8400.


                             - end -


NOTE TO EDITORS:  News media are invited to attend the second 
National Space Grant Conference, March 11-15, at the University 
of Alabama, Huntsville.  Representatives from the 47 Space Grant 
State Consortia will participate.