Idaho Space Grant Supports North Idaho College in National Aerospace Competition

North Idaho College has been selected to advance in a competitive national process to help develop the future aerospace and defense workforce as part of NASA’s Aerospace State Hubs for Skilled Technical Workforce Initiative.

NIC, in collaboration with the Coeur d’Alene Area Economic Development Corporation and the regional Aerospace Tech Hub, was named among 15 organizations invited to submit a concept paper to NASA. The initiative seeks to address a projected shortage of 1 million aerospace and defense workers by 2030 by building stronger education-to-workforce pathways.

“Being part of this next phase with NASA demonstrates that North Idaho College is positioned as a critical player in preparing students for high-demand technical careers,” NIC President Nick Swayne said. “This recognition validates the quality of our academic and workforce training programs while opening new opportunities for students in our region.”

NIC this fall opened an Airframe and PowerPlant Mechanic Apprenticeship that provides hands-on training in aviationmaintenance at its Workforce Training Center in Post Falls.

The college and its partners will now work with a NASA liaison to shape a concept paper due Sept. 17. Selected hubs will convene stakeholders, submit plans, and participate in the NASA STEM Workforce Summit at Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Fla., Sept. 23-25.

Read the full article on nic.edu

Original Post Date: 8.26.25

Author Credit: North Idaho College Newsroom

Image Credit: North Idaho College Newsroom