Terri Sindelar
Headquarters, Washington, D.C.                       May 31, 1990
(Phone:  202/453-8400)


RELEASE:  90-75

SPACE GRANT COLLEGE AND FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM PHASE II ANNOUNCED


     NASA today announced a second competition under the National 
Space Grant College and Fellowship Program.  Phase II, which will 
result in the selection of Space Grant State Consortia, provides 
all states not now a part of the program the opportunity to 
compete.  The District of Columbia and Puerto Rico also are 
eligible.

     The National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program was 
authorized by Congress to help strengthen and enhance, through 
the nation's universities, U.S. capabilities in aerospace science 
and technology.  

     Objectives of the program are: (1) to establish a national 
network of universities with interests and capabilities in 
aeronautics, space and related fields; (2) to encourage 
cooperative programs among universities, aerospace industry and 
federal, state and local government; (3) to encourage 
interdisciplinary training, research and public-service programs 
related to aerospace; (4) to recruit and train professionals, 
especially women, underrepresented minorities and persons with 
disabilities, for careers in aerospace science and technology; 
and (5) to promote a strong science, mathematics and technology 
education base from elementary through university levels.  

     In 1989, NASA Administrator Richard H. Truly implemented 
Phase I of the program by selecting 21 universities and consortia 
as Designated Space Grant Colleges and Consortia.  These 
universities and consortia currently are carrying out activities 
designed to achieve program objectives. 




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     Under Phase II, states can compete for grants in one of two 
categories.  Program Grants are appropriate for states that 
presently have colleges and universities with nationally 
competitive aerospace research and educational capability.  Funds 
will be used for initiating new programs and enhancing existing 
activities which contribute to the goals of the National Space 
Grant College and Fellowship Program.  Capability Enhancement 
Grants are appropriate for states wishing to use the funds to 
develop their aerospace research infrastructure to more 
competitive levels.

     Grants of $150,000, part of which must be matched with non-
federal funds, will be awarded annually for 4 years to state 
consortia in both categories.  Grantees in both categories will 
administer fellowship programs for students at both undergraduate 
and graduate levels.

     NASA will accept only one proposal per state.  To insure 
that only one proposal per state is submitted for evaluation, 
each institution wishing to participate is required to submit to 
NASA a letter of intent specifying the university's interest in 
participating and willingness to collaborate with other 
interested institutions in the state.  NASA will notify 
interested parties so that collaboration may proceed.

     Letters of intent are due by June 29, 1990.  Proposals are 
due Oct. 29, 1990.  NASA will announce Phase II grant recipients 
in early 1991.