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The Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC): Partnering with NASA, Industry, and Institutions to Provide STEM Education, Promote STEM Research, and Prepare a Diverse STEM Workforce.
We provide FREE scholarships, fellowships, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) courses and programs, internships with NASA and industry, NASA summer academies, educator professional development, and STEM research.
The VSGC is committed to providing the most up-to-date information regarding our programs.
Dr. Scott Bellows
Technology Programs Coordinator
abellows@odu.edu
Ian Cawthray
Education Programs Coordinator
icawthra@odu.edu
Kelly Chao
Administrative Assistant
kawilson@odu.edu
Kristyn Damadeo
Communications Program Manager
kdamadeo@odu.edu
Abram Boyer
Fiscal Administrator
apboyer@odu.edu
Dr. Jennifer Penland
STEM Education Program Specialist
STEM Education Program Specialist
STEM Education Specialist
Sarah Pauls
Program Specialist
spauls@odu.edu
Debbie Ross
Program Specialist
dross@odu.edu
Nicole Shaw
Program Specialist
lnshaw@odu.edu
Priscilla Hill
Program Specialist
aphill@odu.edu
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Dr. Timothy Sands, Chair
President, Virginia Polytechnic and State University
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James E. Ryan
President, University of Virginia
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A. Scott Fleming
Director, State Council of Higher Education for Virginia
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General (Retired) Darrell K. Williams
President, Hampton University
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Dr. Katherine A. Rowe
President, College of William and Mary
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David Dore
Chancellor, Virginia Community College System
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Dr. Brian O. Hemphill
President, Old Dominion University
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Joe Benevento
Interim President & CEO, Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation
Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade
The Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) prioritizes efforts across Virginia and beyond that create, promote, and support STEM opportunities for all.
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In 1987, a joint congressional study panel met to address a number of issues facing the aerospace industry and the nation, among them, a looming shortage of workers prepared for a high tech workforce and a decline in scholastic achievement, especially in the disciplines of math and science.
Congress was also concerned with building research infrastructure at our nation’s institutions of higher education. Congress passed legislation in 1988 which established the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program. The Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) received its designation from NASA in 1989.
The VSGC is a coalition of five Virginia colleges and universities, NASA, state educational agencies, Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technology and other institutions representing diverse aerospace interests.
The VSGC acts as an umbrella organization, coordinating and developing aerospace-related and high tech educational and research efforts throughout the Commonwealth, and connecting Virginia’s effort to a national community of shared aerospace interests.
The VSGC leverages each dollar of NASA support with more than five dollars of state and other funding to offer a wide range of programs and activities in concert with NASA’s national Space Grant goals.
Funded Proposals
3D Cybersecurity Pipeline
The 3D Cybersecurity Pipeline initiative addresses the critical shortage of cybersecurity professionals by developing a robust workforce pipeline through partnerships between education, industry, and internships. With Virginia having the highest demand for cybersecurity workers in the U.S. and only 75% of jobs filled, the project focuses on increasing diversity and participation in the cybersecurity workforce. It provides paid internships for undergraduate students, aligns secondary and higher education with NIST and VDOE standards through teacher professional development, and assesses entry-level skills needed by industry partners. By leveraging existing programs like the VSGC-led Commonwealth STEM Industry Internship Program (CSIIP) and collaborating with diverse stakeholders, the initiative aims to expand access, increase certifications, and prepare students for cybersecurity careers.
Contact information:
Virginia Space Grant Consortium
600 Butler Farm Road Suite 2253
Hampton, Virginia 23666
vsgc@odu.edu
Phone: 757.766.5210
Fax: 757.766.5205