HBCUs And Hispanic-Serving Colleges Benefit From NASA’s $1.2M Research Boost

NASA has awarded $1.2 million to 23 minority-serving institutions (MSIs), including Spelman College, Fayetteville State University, Hampton University, and New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.

This funding aims to enhance their science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), research and technology capabilities while contributing to NASA’s missions.

Advancing STEM at Minority-Serving Institutions

The awards are part of NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) Partnership Learning Annual Notification (MPLAN) initiative. 

Each selected institution will receive up to $50,000 over six months, allowing them to work directly on STEM projects alongside NASA’s mission directorate experts. 

The collaboration is set to provide research opportunities, preparing these institutions for larger funding programs such as the Small Business Innovation Research/ Small Business Technology Transfer solicitation and the Space Technology Research Grant Program.

“As NASA looks to inspire the next generation, the Artemis Generation, we are intentional in increasing access for all,” said Shahra Lambert, NASA’s senior advisor for engagement and equity..

“By funding partnerships such as MPLAN and tapping into all pools of STEM resources, including MSIs, we are ensuring the future of our missions are in good hands.”

Empowering Underrepresented Students in STEM

The awarded institutions will gain support, resources, and guidance directly from NASA experts, significantly boosting their research endeavors. 

Throughout 2024, the awarded institutions and their partners are invited to engage with NASA researchers and MUREP representatives. 

These meetings will focus on fostering collaboration, enhancing technical skills, and providing insights into NASA’s research priorities. Such training sessions aim to better prepare participants for future NASA opportunities, ensuring they can contribute effectively to technological innovations that benefit humanity.

Image Credit: Spelman College