Aerospace and Engineering BuildingThe AES initiative moved one step closer to becoming a reality when it received state funding to support planning, pre-construction and utility work for a new, innovative facility. The $60 million building will integrate the study of the advanced manufacturing disciplines and transform AES education in Colorado.

“Our Aerospace and Engineering Sciences initiative will directly address one of the biggest workforce challenges in Colorado: how to better create a pipeline of highly skilled graduates to meet the specific needs of Colorado industries,” said President Stephen Jordan. “Colorado has the country’s third-largest aerospace economy, but industry leaders can’t find the talent they need to maintain that position of strength. We’re working closely with industry leaders to design a groundbreaking program to develop the nation’s most workforce-ready advanced manufacturing professionals.”

The AES program and interdisciplinary curriculum will foster valuable connections among aerospace science; mechanical, electrical and civil engineering technologies; industrial design; and computer information systems and computer science — and attract career-focused students to MSU Denver. Discussions with aerospace and advanced manufacturing industry leaders throughout the metro Denver area are helping inform the development of degree tracks and courses.

The goal is to break ground on the building in fall 2015 and open in spring 2017. The building will be located at the southwest corner of 7th Street and Auraria Parkway.

The project received a major boost in March 2015 when the Joint Budget Committee approved the proposed state capital budget, which included an appropriation of $14.8 million for the AES building.