Kalamazoo, MI, September 2025 – The Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Center has been awarded an $819,200 grant from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s (MI-LEO) 2025 Community Museum Empowerment Grant program. This powerful investment places the Air Zoo among the top seven MI-LEO awarded institutions across the state, chosen for their ability to inspire and empower communities.
With this, the Air Zoo will launch Making Space in Michigan, an ambitious multi-year initiative featuring aerospace career-focused exhibits, programs, and interpretation designed to fuel Michigan’s future workforce.
About Making Space in Michigan
The Air Zoo has long been dedicated to expanding its science presence both on the exhibit floor and in classrooms across the region. As space exploration, rocket science, and robotics advance at lightning speed, the careers of tomorrow will demand curious, adaptable learners today.
As southwest Michigan’s hub for STEAM innovation—and with funding support from MI-LEO and the Tyler-Little Family Foundation – the Air Zoo will deliver a groundbreaking suite of aerospace programming, teacher resources, and career development opportunities. Together, these efforts will help close curriculum gaps, support teachers, and ignite a passion for high-demand careers in aerospace, robotics, and beyond.
What’s Coming
Making Space in Michigan will bring fresh energy to the Air Zoo and the community, including:
- New school and educator programs designed to spark curiosity and build critical skills.
- Expanded career pathways and new professional roles created right here at the Air Zoo.
- Permanent exhibits and interactive installations immersing guests in aerospace exploration.
- Mobile and community-based experiences that take aerospace learning on the road.
With programming support from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) the Air Zoo team has already launched this extraordinary project, which is slated for completion in 2029. Each milestone will bring exciting new opportunities for the public to engage – so stay tuned as Michigan boldly makes space for the future!
Looking Ahead
With a world-class focus on spacefaring, aerospace engineering, robotics, rocket science, astronomy, and astrophysics, Making Space in Michigan will create a powerful new pipeline of STEAM talent. Supported by AIAA and its member organizations, all leaders in space and science, the Air Zoo is committed to inspiring tomorrow’s workforce and proving the future of space begins right here in Michigan…