Students in the Williamson College of Business Administration at Youngstown State University are gaining firsthand insight into the world of federal procurement through immersive, applied learning experiences.

This Spring, students enrolled in the Fundamentals of Government Contracting course traveled to NASA Glenn Research Center, where they explored how government contracting supports innovation at one of the nation’s leading aerospace research facilities.

The visit served as a wrap-up to a 14-week classroom capstone experience, allowing students to see course concepts in action. While on site, students participated in briefings and tours of several key operations, including Technology Transfer, the Icing Research Facility, the Propulsion Lab, wind tunnels and the Zero Gravity Research Facility.

The course is a prerequisite for the Ohio Procurement Internship Program, which connects students with Ohio companies engaged in the government marketplace. Many of the students enrolled in the course will move directly into 12-week, full-time, paid internships following the semester.

The OPIP prepares students for roles in procurement, compliance, and contract management while supporting regional employers navigating the complexities of federal contracting. Through this pipeline, students gain practical experience in a high-demand field while contributing to the success of Ohio businesses operating in the government marketplace.

The experience at NASA Glenn reinforced the connection between academic preparation and career readiness, providing students with a clear understanding of how classroom concepts translate into real-world applications.