K-State Salina and Cosmosphere team up to enhance aerospace education and research

Pictured from left: Claire Ludes, Cosmosphere senior vice president of development and strategic relationships; Jim Remar, Cosmosphere president and CEO; Mike Zamrzla, deputy state director from the office of U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran; Alysia Starkey, K-State Salina CEO and dean; and Kirsten Regan, K-State Salina executive director of strategic initiatives. | Download this photo.

K‑State News and Communications Services

Two leaders of aerospace and innovations in education, Kansas State University Salina and the Cosmosphere, are announcing a historic strategic partnership that will elevate aerospace education and research for Kansas youth and beyond.

The partnership will feature the exploration, development and implementation of innovative solutions, research and education initiatives to foster advancements in aerospace education.

This collaboration will elevate K-12 education and outreach for Kansas and the country. The two organizations will develop programs, workshops and public outreach initiatives focused on aerospace and STEM education. This will include new summer camps and collaborative youth outreach programs; implementation of virtual reality, or VR, and augmented reality, or AR, experiences; and the development of new curriculums offered through both organizations.

"K-State Salina is incredibly proud to call the Cosmosphere a strategic partner," said Alysia Starkey, K-State Salina CEO and dean. "For the last 60 years, both of our organizations have been leading aerospace education providers in Kansas. This partnership strengthens both of our institutions' missions and will elevate the aerospace education and outreach experience for citizens across the state and country. We are proud to partner with the Cosmosphere to excite and engage the next generation of aerospace professionals."

As a part of the collaboration, the Cosmosphere will enhance K-State Salina's knowledge of K-12 instruction and provide training about relevant education practices, provide guidance and support to the campus in the development of K-12 camps and outreach programs, facilitate networking opportunities and partnerships with K-12 partners, and advise and collaborate on marketing opportunities to further the campus's long-term vision as a one-of-a-kind destination campus.

"As a leading center for informal STEAM education, the Cosmosphere is excited to partner with K-State Salina," said Jim Remar, Cosmosphere CEO. "This partnership will create new opportunities to inspire students in the state and region about fields in aerospace. This partnership will help provide students with actionable paths to achieve their newly sparked dreams."

As a leading industry in Kansas with a need for further workforce development, this partnership between K-State Salina and the Cosmosphere will combine the technological and aerospace education expertise of both the campus and museum and build that into an effort that grows opportunities in the aerospace industry.

Those wanting to learn more about the strategic partnership between K-State Salina and the Cosmosphere can contact K-State Salina at salinadeansoffice@k-state.edu.

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