Colorado Springs, Colo. (April 9, 2003) – The Space Foundation announced
today a new educational initiative called the Ascent program, designed to
stimulate interest among college level students in pursuing high
technology careers in the aerospace industry. The Ascent program offers
students a one-of-a-kind fellowship for academic needs and unique
experiences in various aerospace venues.

The genesis for the program was a discussion between Lockheed Martin and
the Space Foundation about the importance of ensuring the availability of
a highly skilled workforce for future aerospace industry requirements.
Lockheed Martin will fund the charter year of the program with a
contribution of $50,000. The Space Foundation will administer the program
and seek ongoing support from other industry partners.

“The greatest challenge facing the space industry today is the pending
shortage of high technology talent in the aerospace work force,” said
Elliot G. Pulham, president and chief executive officer of the Space
Foundation. “Lockheed Martin’s leadership in launching this initiative
helps create new ways to engage and inspire the next generation. We invite
all space organizations to join us in addressing this challenge.”

“We are excited about the concept of the Ascent program and the
opportunity to show students an insider’s view of the stimulating work
that the space business affords,” said Al Smith, executive vice president
of Lockheed Martin Space Systems and Space Foundation Board Member.
“Attracting talented young people into our industry is critical to
ensuring a seamless transition as new national priorities emerge. It is
essential that the aerospace industry join forces to meet this important
goal.”

The Space Foundation will release selection criteria and application
guidelines later this year. The inaugural year for the Ascent fellowships
is 2004. The first group of students selected will attend the 20th
National Space Symposium on March 29 – April 1, 2004.

Widely regarded as the premier conference for space professionals anywhere
in the world today, the National Space Symposium is the only space-related
conference to fully integrate all sectors of space – commercial, civil and
national security – while attracting more than 4,000 participants.

The Ascent program is the latest Space Foundation effort to advance and
support educational excellence. The Foundation offers two distinct Masters
in Space Studies Degrees in conjunction with the University of Colorado at
Colorado Springs and Regis University.

The Space Foundation has also trained more than 20,000 teachers since 1986
on Teaching With Space through Space Discovery graduate courses and
national conferences. All courses and conferences meet state and national
educational standards, with optional graduate credit available. The Space
Foundation offers an on-site NASA Education Resource Center, which helps
educators access and use science, mathematics, and technology instruction
products aligned with national standards and appropriate state frameworks
based on NASA’s unique mission and results. For more information or to get
a complete schedule of upcoming educational events, visit
www.spacefoundation.org/education or call 1-800-691-4000.