MOU Aims to Advance U.S. Space Workforce Development
Space Foundation and International Space University Reach Agreement
Through its strategic initiative Space Workforce for Tomorrow (SWFT), Space Foundation has entered into an agreement with International Space University (ISU) which aims to advance space education and address workforce needs across the United States space industry.
“This partnership builds on our national commitment to a resilient and ready space workforce.”
Melanie Stricklan, SWFT
This strategic collaboration brings together Space Foundation’s national presence, SWFT’s focused mission to close the U.S. STEM talent gap, and ISU’s interdisciplinary expertise in space education to support the development of a diverse, skilled, and sustainable space workforce.
The MOU outlines key areas of collaboration, including:
Joint development of education and training programs tailored to industry needs
Coordination of outreach and professional learning through both virtual and in-person platforms
Exploration of a potential ISU satellite campus in Colorado Springs
Alignment with SWFT’s national initiative to build and strengthen career pathways into the U.S. space sector
“This partnership builds on our national commitment to a resilient and ready space workforce,” said Melanie Stricklan, Executive Director of SWFT. “Together with ISU and the Space Foundation, we’re designing bold, actionable ways to prepare Americans for careers that will drive U.S. leadership in space.”
“This MOU represents a strategic step toward unifying education, innovation, and access across the U.S. space ecosystem," said Heather Pringle, CEO of Space Foundation. "Our workforce is our greatest asset, and we’re committed to investing in its future.”
“We’re proud to bring our educational expertise to this partnership and look forward to contributing to the development of impactful programming that supports America’s space workforce needs,” said ISU President Dr. John Wensveen.
The MOU establishes a three-year framework for collaboration, emphasizing co-branded programming, national workforce development efforts, and shared resources to drive results across the space industry.