District to Launch New Space Pathway at the Innovation Center
St. Vrain Valley Schools has been named a K-12 partner in the Colorado Space Institute (CSI) at Arapahoe Community College (ACC), which NASA selected as Colorado’s Aerospace Skilled Technical Workforce Hub (NASA Hub).
As part of its involvement, St. Vrain Valley Schools is developing a new space pathway at its Innovation Center, and the district has convened an advisory board to help guide the pathway’s design in alignment with CSI’s statewide framework. The advisory board includes members from industry, higher education, and St. Vrain educators.
NASA announced in August 2026 that it is investing approximately $10.5 million across seven institutions nationwide — including $1.3 million over three years to Colorado — to strengthen state-based pathways into skilled technical aerospace careers. CSI was selected to lead this work in Colorado, serving as a neutral, statewide convener that will align community colleges, high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, economic development organizations, and aerospace employers around clear, stackable, industry-validated pathways into aerospace technician roles.
“As educators, we know that space inspires learners of all ages,” said St. Vrain Valley Schools Superintendent Jackie Kapushion. “A space pathway creates meaningful learning experiences for students while preparing them for one of Colorado’s fastest-growing and most economically significant industries. By developing high school coursework, industry certifications, and work-based learning opportunities related to the space industry, we are providing lifelong value to our students and fueling Colorado’s economic competitiveness.”
“St. Vrain Valley Schools brings nationally recognized leadership in career-connected learning and STEM education to this partnership,” said Dr. Grace Crain-Wright, Director of the Colorado Space Institute. “Their Innovation Center is exactly the kind of K-12 foundation Colorado’s aerospace workforce needs, and we’re proud to have them support this effort.”