NASA announced on Aug. 19, 2026, that it had awarded approximately $10.5 million to seven institutions to strengthen state-based pathways for students into skilled technical aerospace jobs. The awards were made through the new NASA Aerospace Skilled Technical Workforce Hubs initiative, or NASA State Hubs, which NASA described as a convening effort linking industry employers, community colleges, high school career and technical education programs, and workforce systems.

The selected organizations, spread across seven states, are the Antelope Valley Community College District in Lancaster, California; Georgia Tech Research Corporation; Minnesota State Colleges and Universities; Southern Utah University; Space Florida; the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupation Education, Arapahoe Community College in Littleton, Colorado; and the Texas Space Commission. Over the following three years, NASA said, they were to create programs building skills identified by industry leaders, highlight career pathways through education and apprenticeships, and connect employers with job seekers. The roles cited included welders, electricians and machinists.

Elaine Ho, associate administrator for NASA's Office of STEM Engagement, said the need for technical talent was already urgent. The agreements are funded by that office through its Next Gen STEM Project.