Ibadan, 25 April 2025. – Space Foundation, through its strategic initiative Space Workforce for Tomorrow (SWFT), has entered an agreement with International Space University (ISU). Formalized at the 40th Space Symposium, the memorandum of understanding (MOU) involves advancing space education and addressing workforce needs across the United States space industry.
This strategic collaboration consequently 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: Joint development of education and training programs specific 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; and Alignment with SWFT’s national initiative to build and strengthen career pathways into the U.S. space sector.
Furthermore, 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.
“This partnership builds on our national commitment to a resilient and ready space workforce,” noted 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.”
Heather Pringle, CEO of Space Foundation, added, “This MOU represents a strategic step toward unifying education, innovation, and access across the U.S. space ecosystem. Our workforce is our greatest asset, and we’re committed to investing in its future.”
Likewise, ISU President Dr. John Wensveen noted, “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.”
