Next Gen STEM (NGS) NASA Aerospace Skilled Technical Workforce Hubs (NAS_Hub)

The Next Gen STEM NASA Aerospace Skilled Technical Workforce Hubs (NAS_Hub) initiative is a newly launched funding opportunity issued by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), administered through its Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM). This cooperative agreement notice seeks to address an urgent national need for a highly capable and accessible skilled technical workforce aligned with aerospace industry demands. NASA aims to establish up to eight regionally focused NAS_Hubs that will serve as strategic coordination centers linking key players across education, workforce, economic development, and industry ecosystems to meet future aerospace workforce needs. This opportunity is designed to respond directly to labor shortages in the aerospace and defense sectors and to provide sustainable career pathways into technical roles that do not require a four-year degree. The NAS_Hub program aligns with NASA’s broader mission goals, including support for Artemis and other human spaceflight initiatives, and follows national workforce strategies such as “America’s Talent Strategy: Building a Workforce for the Golden Age.” The initiative emphasizes coordination with employers, career and technical education (CTE) providers, workforce boards, and NASA Centers. NAS_Hubs are expected to lead collaborative efforts to align training and educational pathways with the evolving needs of aerospace employers. Participating organizations must build relationships with at least three aerospace employers, a high school and a community college CTE program, a regional or state workforce development entity, and a NASA Center. Activities must include hands-on training opportunities, development of apprenticeship pathways, and alignment with emerging technologies and workforce gaps. Funding for the NAS_Hub program totals approximately $12 million over three years, with expected individual awards of up to $1.5 million per recipient. Awarded through cooperative agreements, each NAS_Hub can receive up to $500,000 annually. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for applicants. Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities such as city, county, state, and tribal governments; independent school districts; nonprofit organizations; institutions of higher education (both public and private); small businesses; and other for-profit organizations. Proposals must demonstrate clear alignment with NASA’s mission, include structured coordination with stakeholders, and provide a comprehensive evaluation and sustainability plan. Applications must be submitted via NASA’s NSPIRES system by March 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. There are no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent or concept papers. However, applicants must register in the SAM.gov and NSPIRES systems prior to submission. Proposals should include a management plan, budget details, evaluation strategy, institutional capacity narrative, letters of support from required partners, and a clear dissemination plan. NASA requires all awardees to participate in data collection and evaluation activities, including submission of annual and summative evaluation reports and milestone tracking. An Independent Evaluator must be hired to carry out formal evaluation activities as per the outlined plan. Proposals will be evaluated using three weighted criteria: Relevance to NASA (40%), Intrinsic Merit (40%), and Budget/Cost Reasonableness (20%). Successful proposals will demonstrate the potential for regional or multi-state scale impact, measurable outcomes aligned with NASA workforce goals, strong institutional capacity, and structured evaluation metrics. Notification of awards is expected by June 2026, with the performance period lasting three years from award date. While the current solicitation does not include specific language about recurring annual competitions, it falls within OSTEM’s broader Next Gen STEM initiative, which has historically included repeated opportunities. The main point of contact for this grant is Maria Arredondo, the Next Gen STEM Program Manager. Questions regarding the NAS_Hub program can be directed to the official email [email protected]. A full description of the requirements, application structure, and evaluation criteria is provided in the official NOFO issued on February 3, 2026. This document is publicly accessible and serves as the primary guide for applicants. Interested organizations are encouraged to begin early preparations due to the complexity and breadth of the required collaborations and evaluation components.

Show measurable goals and logic model; Align with NASA missions; Include required partner letters and commitment to CTE pathways