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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is a Minority Serving Institution (MSI)?

A: Institutions of higher education enrolling populations with significant percentages of undergraduate minority students, or that serve certain populations of minority students under various programs created by Congress, are known as minority-serving institutions.

Under part F of the HEA, 20 U.S. Code § 1067q – "Investment in historically Black colleges and universities and other minority serving institutions," the following institutions are eligible to receive funds under that section.

  • Historically Black College or University
  • Hispanic-serving Institution
  • Tribal College or University
  • Alaska Native-serving Institution or a Native Hawaiian-serving Institution
  • Predominantly Black Institution
  • Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution
  • Native American-serving Nontribal Institution

For additional information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education website(Opens in New Window; Non-NASA Link).

Q: Can I download the list of MSIs that are in the MSI Exchange?

A: You can download the PDF version of the NASA MSI list.

Q: My school is not in the MSI Exchange or on the MSI list, is there anything I can do?

A: Contact nasa-msiexchange@mail.nasa.gov to learn about NASA’s MSI determination process.

Q: How do I submit a capability statement for inclusion in the MSI Exchange?

A: Please contact nasa-msiexchange@mail.nasa.gov for inquiries and to learn how to submit a capability statement for a minority serving institution.

Q: Does NASA provide support for institutions that do not have capability statements?

A: Yes. Please contact nasa-msiexchange@mail.nasa.gov to learn how to develop a capability statement for your minority serving institution.

Q: Who owns the MSI Exchange?

A: The MSI Exchange was developed and is maintained by the NASA Office of STEM Engagement Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP).

Q: Why is the MSI Exchange for MSIs only?

A: The MSI Exchange is an activity of the NASA Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP). Visit the MUREP website(Opens in New Window) to learn more.