ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – State and federal agencies are investing millions in developing career paths for the space industry in New Mexico. One particular company is paving that path with the help of the non-profit, NewSpace Nexus. In 2022, President Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act into law, paving the way for more jobs in the industries of the future. Brad Clevenger is the vice president of Space Systems for Rocket Labs who was recently awarded nearly $50 million as part of the CHIPS and Science Act, the company builds solar cells in New Mexico that Power Rockets for a variety of missions, including the James Webb Space Telescope, the ingenuity mars helicopter, and NASA's Artemis Moon Missions, just to name a few. Story continues below Space: Rare comet can be seen in New Mexico sky, local experts explain News: Drafted New Mexico bill aims to change guidelines on how board grants parole News: Valencia County Sheriff’s Office releases footage of fatal deputy-involved shooting News: Some Bosque trails in Albuquerque to be closed for maintenance But they can't do it alone. That's where Newspace Nexus and its "Pathways to the Stars" program comes into play. "We're focused on that industry. We unite and ignite space. We're bringing together, trying to break down walls where everyone can work together. And then we ignite by looking at working with all these space companies and really trying to understand their gaps and challenges and where we can put programs in place to fill those and support them," said Casey Deraad, Founder/CEO of NewSpace Nexus. Sarita Nair is Cabinet Secretary of Workforce Solutions and said that tapping industries themselves is the best way to ensure a perfect match between employer and employee. But it's not just the current workforce. It's also not just astronauts the industry needs. Clevenger highlights the fact that "Pathways" opens up the opportunity to reach those in underserved communities and populations that are under-represented in the growing space industry. It's here that folks like Nair and Clevenger hope to build on the ever-growing space valley. According to NewSpace Nexus, their industry and educational partners will provide learning and curriculum as well as connect graduating students to jobs are careers. About New Mexico Frontiers New Mexico is the doorway to the new frontier – leading the way into the future of Aerospace, Bio-science, Renewable Energy, Digital Media and Film, Advanced Manufacturing, and so much more. Join us as Chad Brummett and New Mexico Frontiers profile the movers and shakers from our state who are changing the world. ‘New Mexico Frontiers’ celebrates the enterprising spirit of the state’s businesses, scientists, creators, and entrepreneurs.