Virginia Space signs Memorandum of Understanding Ceremony with Eastern Shore Community College

Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority (Virginia  Space) CEO and Executive Director Roosevelt “Ted” Mercer, Jr. and Eastern Shore  Community College (ESCC) President Dr. Jim Shaeffer on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at ESCC’s Melfa campus formally establishing a  professional internship program. Virginia Space has hosted ESCC interns for the last  several years, but the MOU cements the relationship between the two organizations to  give students the opportunity to hone their skills by working side-by-side with engineers  and other technical professionals at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport. 

“It’s a true privilege to work with our ESCC student interns,” said Mr. Mercer. “Signing  this MOU demonstrates our commitment to our continuing partnership with ESCC to  foster valuable learning and employment opportunities that drive economic and  educational development on the Eastern Shore.” 

This is Virginia Space’s first MOU with an institution of higher learning. The agreement is a testament to the benefits realized by both organizations during the years of  collaboration. Virginia Space hopes that it will inspire formal collaboration with other  institutions of higher learning in the future. 

“The signing of this MOU is extremely significant for our two organizations,” said Dr.  Shaeffer. “We aim to provide good jobs, particularly in the aerospace industry. This  enables students to become job ready as they enter the workforce. Eastern Shore  Community College provides residents in underserved areas on the Eastern Shore an  opportunity to do well and thrive in their own community.” 

Virginia Space, a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia, owns and  operates the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport, which includes three launch pads, a  payload processing facility, and other facilities that enable the launch of small- and mid size rockets for commercial, government, scientific, and academic users. One of only  four spaceports in the United States capable of vertical launches to orbit, Virginia Space  contributes to assured access to space for the United States. 

More than 20 percent of Virginia Space’s workforce is comprised of former interns from ESCC and other universities. The ESCC partnership will continue to bring local students into the STEM and aerospace industry, benefitting and growing the skilled workforce on  the Eastern Shore.