Space diversity initiative builds steam with new leadership and K-12 focused National Space Day

The space industry is making strides to attract more women and people of color, with the upcoming National Space Day on May 3 serving as a rallying point. Space Workforce 2030, a collaboration between the Space Foundation, Aerospace Corporation, and 29 company partners, aims to increase diversity in the industry by transparently reporting demographics and working together to bring in a more varied workforce.

Melanie Stricklan, formerly of Slingshot Space and the Air Force, has been appointed as the executive director of this initiative. The goal is not just to have a diverse workforce but also to create an inclusive pipeline for anyone interested in joining the space industry.

The focus is on building a strong talent base for the future, as the industry faces a potential labor crisis with one generation retiring and a lack of successors stepping in. The initiative emphasizes the importance of diversity in creating a robust workforce.

Space Workforce 2030 is starting by collecting and analyzing data to establish a baseline for measuring progress. The initial findings show some modest improvements in the representation of women and people of color in technical roles, but also highlight areas that need attention, such as intern conversions and applications.

The initiative aims to collaborate with various companies and organizations to share data and best practices for improving outcomes. National Space Day includes a curriculum aimed at K-12 students to inspire interest in space-related careers and activities.

As a long-term effort, Space Workforce 2030 is looking to expand its reach to government agencies and nonprofit organizations to further promote STEM-related careers. The focus is on addressing potential talent shortages in the space industry and related fields by engaging with a diverse range of partners.

Overall, the initiative acknowledges the work that still needs to be done to create a more inclusive and diverse space workforce. More information about Space Workforce 2030 can be found here.