Space Grant was established by Congress to ensure continued United States strength in space-related research and education, and to capitalize on multiple opportunities afforded by the space environment. The first competition took place in 1989 when 21 states were designated. Proposing institutions were required to meet 3 criteria:

1) an average of $2 million in NASA funding for each of 3 previous years;
2) at least 3 doctoral degree programs in aerospace; and
3), involvement in aerospace-related public service.

The remaining states, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico, were added in 1991. The second competition required states to compete for 1 of 2 types of grants:

Program Grants, or Capability Enhancement Grants. All Space Grant universities conduct programs in research or research infrastructure enhancement, education, including scholarship and fellowship programs, and public service. Affiliated institutions number more than 550. Members include colleges and universities, including minority institutions and community colleges, business and industry, state and local governments and nonprofit organizations.

Space Grant objectives are derived from the legislation creating the program. They are to:

- Establish and maintain a national network of universities with interests and capabiities in aeronautics, space and related fields;

- Encourage cooperative programs among universities, aerospace industry, and Federal, state and local governments;

- Encourage interdisciplinary training, research and public service programs related to aerospace;

- Recruit and train professionals, especially women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilties, for careers in aerospace science and technology; and,

- Promote a strong science, mathematics, and technology education base from elementary through secondary levels.

The Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium is administered by the Program Office on the UW-Milwaukee campus. UW-Madison is an affiliate member of the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium. Sanjay S. Limaye is the UW-Madison Campus representative to the WSGC The annual funding from NASA to the WSGC is approximately $270K. About 65% is spent in managing the WSGC effort, the rest of the funding is used to support the programs stated above. Consortia members volunteer their time and effort to conduct those programs. A proposal has been submitted on behalf of WSGC to NASA for Phase I status, which will qualify Wisconsin to implement new programs. A decision is expected in September 1999.

WSGC Currently has the following programs:

 -Scholarships, Fellowships and Other Student Awards Programs

 -Research Infrastructure Programs (Faculty Research Seed Grants)

 -Higher Education Awards for Students

Please contact the WSGC Office in Milwaukee for further information on these program opportunities.

WSGC Home Page at UW-Milwaukee | National Space Grant Consortium and Fellowship Program