HISTORY
Congress initiated the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program with the passage on October 30, 1987, of the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Act. The Act included such objectives as assuring the vitality of the Nation and the quality of life through the understanding, assessment, development, and utilization of space resources.
The original goals of the national program included: (1) the establishment of a national network of universities with interests and capabilities in aeronautics, space and related fields; (2) the formation of cooperative programs among universities, aerospace industry, and federal, state, and local governments; (3) the broadening of interdisciplinary training, research and public service programs related to aerospace; (4) the recruiting and training of professionals, especially women and underrepresented minorities, for careers in aerospace science, technology and allied fields; and, (5) the development of a strong science, mathematics and technology base from elementary school through university levels.

The Colorado Space Grant Symposium was founded in 1989. The CSGS, led by the University of Colorado at Boulder, consists of 14 Colorado colleges and universities and one foundation.

The CSGC works to enhance the educational experience of students throughout the state based on cooperative relationships among universities, colleges, industry, research organizations, NASA, and other Space Grant programs – and to cultivate this rich cooperative environment to provide incentives, educational opportunities, and educational excellence in space science and engineering. The CSGC program features hands-on opportunities for undergraduate and graduate student research in space, space-related courses and seminars, and cooperative outreach projects to inspire pre-collegiate students to pursue an education in science or engineering.

Faculty, graduate and undergraduate students from the fourteen member schools and one foundation coordinate their efforts to provide an effective state-wide educational program in space sciences and engineering. The three thrusts of the program –education, research, and outreach – are vigorous. Thousands of students have reaped the benefits of CSGC’s space research and educational opportunities since the program’s inception. The program has attracted top students, elicited contributions from numerous engineers and scientists, and gained international recognition as an innovative and effective training ground for students.