The mission of the virginia air & space center is to educate, entertain and inspire explorers of all ages. At the heart of the centers education programming portfolio are NASA inspired science,…

This is a $1,350,000.00 cooperative agreement awarded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Shared Services Center to the Virginia Air & Space Center, a non-profit organization that serves as the official visitor center for NASA Langley Research Center. The purpose of the agreement is to transform, redefine, and develop the 21st century NASA Langley Visitor Center, with a focus on educational programming related to NASA's science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) initiatives, as well as the agency's broader mission and activities. The Virginia Air & Space Center is the sole prime contractor on this agreement, which does not have a set-aside designation. In addition to this cooperative agreement, the Virginia Air & Space Center has also received federal grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and NASA to enhance visitor experiences and support STEM literacy and enrichment programs.

The mission of the virginia air & space center is to educate, entertain and inspire explorers of all ages. At the heart of the centers education programming portfolio are NASA inspired science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (stem) programs. Although we are all proud of the experiences that so many have had when visiting our institution, we understand that fundamental changes have taken place in the way visitors interact, engage, and learn from free choice learning environments such as the vasc. The industrial age model currently employed by the vasc and museums worldwide must be redesigned for a new knowledge age and must be aligned with current and future NASA communications strategies. Issues such as earth sciences, international space station, NASA technology and its relationship to private industry, aeronautics, and our mission to mars, the solar system and beyond are essential to the next generation that will be asking the important questions and finding viable solutions. While the magnificent artifacts on display provide an AWE-inspiring canopy, we must tell the compelling stories that are connected to these exhibits in ways that establish a foundation for engaging young minds. This new visitor center will encourage visitors to become curious lifelong problem solvers ready to enter an increasing competitive marketplace. Therefore, IT is imperative that we begin a journey together to transform, redefine and develop the 21ST century NASA langley visitor center.