Long Beach City College plans to train and certify the next generation of workers in the commercial space industry with the launch of its new space program.
This pathway will grant students with the certification needed to work in the space industry as technicians.
The commercial space industry has made Long Beach its home and LBCC is going to create a pathway for students that are interested in working on space manufacturing.
The proposition for the program was introduced to NASA by former Long Beach mayor, Congressman Robert Garcia and Senator Feinstein which resulted in NASA providing a 2 million dollar fund.
This fund will be used to purchase all the first-class manufacturing equipment to train students.
“I have seen firsthand the vital role that federal funding plays in sustaining a thriving community,” writes Congressman Garcia in his submission of his Community Project Funding requests to the House Committee on Appropriations.
“As we continue to work hand in hand with local partners it is my priority to advocate for funding that will serve folks from every corner of our district,” Garcia added.
The certification will grant students a high paid technician position in the commercial space industry without the need for a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Long Beach City College wants to create multiple pathways for students to have access to high-urgency and high-paying jobs.
“With the commercial space industry being a high paid job and very demanding in Long Beach, creating this pathway will provide so many of our students with jobs,” said Superintendent-President Mike Munoz.
The certification is still in the works and the curriculum required is still in the process of being developed.
LBCC plans to combine the existing curriculum from advanced manufacturing courses already taught at the college with a new curriculum specifically adapted for the commercial space industry.
This is one of the many pathways coming into the college, the goal is to create multiple pathways for students to have access to high-urgency and high-paying jobs in all industries.