The Maine Space Grant Consortium (MSGC) is an Affiliate-based 501(c)(3) corporation and a member of the national network of Consortia in all 50 states plus Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. The network is funded by NASA's National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program (also known as Space Grant).  Space Grant was established by Congress in 1988 to contribute to the nation's science and engineering enterprise.

Our mission is to:

• Improve our Affiliates research infrastructure in areas of mutual interest to NASA and the state of Maine;
• Encourage more students to consider careers in fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); and
• Enhance NASA's presence throughout the State of Maine. 

Our Affiliates are undergraduate and graduate institutions, not-for-profit research laboratories, state agencies, technology-based businesses and science and education organizations, all of whom help further NASA's goals while benefiting Maine in many different areas of science and technology.

Through our Affiliates we achieve our mission by competitively funding projects in four national objectives: Research Infrastructure, Higher Education, Pre-College and Public Service.  Specifically, we:

• Provide scholarships and fellowships for undergraduate and graduate students studying science and engineering at Maine colleges and universities.

• Provide seed research grants and travel grants to stimulate collaborative endeavors between Maine researchers and researchers at NASA's field centers.

• Provide undergraduate students with internship opportunities at NASA and in the State of Maine.

• Provide support for in-service STEM-focused professional development.

• Provide summer internships for Maine High School teachers and students with Maine businesses conducting STEM related research and education.

• Conduct outreach to Maine schools and communities and promote opportunities in science and engineering research and education.

• Support informal science education activities designed to inspire future scientists and engineers and enhance public awareness of the impact of S&T and NASA on everyday life.

The Maine Space Grant Consortium is overseen by a Board of Directors that is representative of the knowledge and experience to our mission. Grant programs and activities are guided and evaluated by the Board approved Strategic and Evaluation Plans.