The Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium was established in 1989 with a grant from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and is housed in the Department of Earth and Space Sciences at the University of Washington. The Consortium's mission is to further science, mathematics and technology education and aerospace science and engineering research for Washington's diverse learners of all ages.
The University of Washington was one of the first Space Grant universities in the country. Currently, 52 independently governed consortia administer NASA Space Grant programs in research, education, and public service.
The objectives of the National Space Grant Program are to:
Promote a strong science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education base
from elementary through secondary levels while preparing teachers in these grade
levels to become more effective at improving student academic outcomes.
Establish and maintain a national network of universities with interests and
capabilities in aeronautics, space and related fields.
Encourage cooperative programs among universities, aerospace industry, and federal,
state and local governments.
Encourage interdisciplinary training, research and public service programs related to
aerospace.
Recruit and train U.S. citizens, especially women, underrepresented minorities, and
persons with disabilities, for careers in aerospace science and technology.
