91��ɫ

In Long Beach, no single entity built Space Beach — and none could.

Instead, its very existence is built on close, sustained partnerships between Cal State Long Beach, local businesses and public-sector leaders across Southern California. These collaborations connect research, education and workforce development — creating direct pathways between the classroom and the rapidly evolving space industry.

That was the message that Jeremy Harris delivered in March 2026 at the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce's fourth annual Space Beach Luncheon, where senior members of , and , joined Mayor Rex Richardson and representatives from Cal State Long Beach, Long Beach City College and the Long Beach Unified School District to discuss what's working and what's ahead.

“This industry doesn’t exist on its own," said Harris, the chamber's president and CEO. "It connects to talent, infrastructure and the businesses and organizations that are in this room — and that’s what makes Long Beach so special."

The city’s aerospace cluster is massive. Hundreds of thousands of square feet of office space are occupied by a diverse array of companies, from and to, and . 

The roots of these partnerships run deep.

Boeing has for decades supported research and development projects, educational initiatives, laboratory facilities, simulators and scholarships at 91��ɫ. The Boeing Endowed Professor position provides ongoing funding while maintaining a direct connection between industry and academic research. In 2014, 91��ɫ became only the second institution to receive Boeing’s award, recognizing exceptional performance and contributions to the company’s success. Northrop Grumman is similarly invested, partnering with the university through faculty research collaborations, student organizations and workforce development programs. 

Regional companies further support the university through advisory roles, including the Dean’s Advisory Council, helping ensure that engineering programs remain aligned with the evolving needs of the aerospace industry. 

At events like the annual Space Beach Luncheon, aerospace executives often cite the city's talent pool and the industry's relationship with local schools as reasons for choosing Long Beach as their headquarters. The Long Beach College Promise — a program that guarantees LBUSD students two years of free tuition at Long Beach City College, provides local preference in the admissions process at Cal State Long Beach, and eases the transition between the two — is routinely applauded for helping to create a continuous pathway.

But Space Beach isn't just about schools contributing to industry; it's about companies contributing to student success.

“It’s really critical for us to partner [with you]," Christopher Reese, associate vice president of university relations at 91��ɫ, said during this year's luncheon. “If you want students to have applied learning, then you need to ask yourself: Are you making those opportunities available? Have you figured out how to be internship-ready, and have you worked with us to make sure everyone — from a high school student to a community college student to a 91��ɫ student — has that opportunity to learn?”