Empowering Houston’s Workforce

Houston’s remarkable growth and prosperity has long been tied to its energy, life science, and aerospace industries. Today, technologies like AI and globalized competition have increased the need for specialized skills to support the unique economic opportunities in our region. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, nearly all of the top 10 fastest growing occupations are in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, and a variety of studies suggest the space economy in particular could grow to $2.7 trillion dollars by 2050.

Despite these promising trends, the Texas Commission on Community College Finance reports that from 2011-2021, enrollment in workforce development programs dropped by nearly 100,000 students across the state. Texas has a gap in preparing workers for our future opportunities.

Space Center Houston is uniquely positioned to address this challenge. With 1.3 million visitors annually and a network that spans NASA and other government entities, aerospace companies, startups, and advanced research institutions, we are the hub of public engagement in the new space economy. Our extensive connections allow us to link the emerging workforce with incredible opportunities in STEM careers.

Space Center Houston partnered with Microsoft in 2022 to launch Accelerate Space, a program to prepare individuals in all career-stages for employment in the aerospace industry.  The sessions immerse students in a variety of NASA and commercial space industry developments, showing how these relate to professional skills like project management and digital strategies, as well as mental and social strengths such as embracing uncertainty, taking calculated risks, and mastering leadership dynamics.  

For recent Accelerate Space graduate Kaulen Applin, his career path has been a dream come true. After plans to become a pilot were grounded by an epilepsy diagnosis at age 18, he explored several types of engineering throughout college. Kaulen enrolled in Accelerate Space while pursuing a master’s degree in aerospace, which complemented his formal education with specialized training in teamwork and effective communication. “Accelerate Space gave me inspiration and confirmed that I’m on the right path,” he says. “Each week the program brought in experts that were knowledgeable, and you see the way they present themselves, the way they speak—it encourages you to be like that person.”

Kaulen now works for Boeing, handling environmental controls and life support systems for the International Space Station. On any given day, you might find him “on console” in NASA’s Mission Control, a role that would be nerve-wracking if not for his extensive preparation. “You learn how to be in the moment and focus,” he says. “You rely on your training. You rely on your team. Accelerate Space gave me the opportunity to develop that confidence. [It] taught me that if you lock in and you trust yourself, you can do anything.”

Building on the success of Accelerate Space to date, we plan to add more sessions designed to help recent high school graduates, veterans, and individuals with disabilities take advantage of opportunities in the aerospace sector.

Your support will expand this program to benefit more people. Help us upskill Houston’s future—join Space Center Houston’s Innovation Circle today or contact us for more information.