The Tennessee Space Grant Consortium (TSGC) is a part of the National Space Grant Consortium and NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement.  The National Space Grant Consortium was established in 1988 to foster space science education and research activities at Space Grant lead universities and affiliate universities. The TSGC is administered by Vanderbilt University in Nashville. Prof. Nicholas Dygert is the director for the TSGC at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and is assisted by Assistant Director Dr. Robert Jacobsen. The funds received as an affiliate of the TSGC are used to support scholarships and activities that achieve three desired outcomes:

• Outcome 1: Contribute to the development of the STEM workforce in disciplines needed to achieve NASA’s strategic goals.
• Outcome 2: Attract and retain students in STEM disciplines through a progression of educational opportunities for students, teachers, and faculty.
• Outcome 3: Build strategic partnerships and linkages between STEM formal and informal education providers that promote STEM literacy and awareness of NASA’s mission.