Charting the Skies: VASSC’s 2024–2029 Strategic Plan

The Virginia Air & Space Science Center’s 2024–2029 Strategic Plan lays out a bold vision to ignite curiosity and drive innovation in STEM for explorers of all ages. Rooted in our mission to “ignite curiosity and innovation in STEM through education, discovery, and interactive experiences,” and guided by our vision of “limitless curiosity and exploration in air and space driving humanity’s progress,” this plan charts a clear roadmap for the next five years .

Key Priorities

  • Enhance Guest Experience & Engagement: Roll out immersive, accessible exhibits (AR/VR, tactile elements, multilingual content), strengthen real-time feedback loops, and grow virtual offerings like online tours and webinars .

  • Expand Educational & Research Opportunities: Launch professional development for educators, deepen outreach in underserved communities, open facilities for student-led research, and host symposia to foster collaboration .

  • Ensure Financial Sustainability: Diversify revenue (memberships, programs, café, rentals, grants), implement cost-saving measures (energy efficiency, automation), and build reserves for long-term stability .

  • Engage Community & Build Partnerships: Deepen ties with NASA and regional centers, collaborate with industry experts, schools, universities, and cultural organizations, and expand volunteer and advisory programs VASSC 2024-2029 

  • Embrace the Past & Inspire the Future: Preserve and showcase historic artifacts, engage living historians, celebrate key anniversaries, and launch hackathons, camps, and VR experiences to inspire new STEM explorers VASSC 2024-2029 

  • Strengthen Board Governance: Provide targeted training and mentorship for board members, enhance governance policies, and recruit a diverse, engaged leadership team VASSC 2024-2029 

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