Meet the Space Vandenberg 2026 Cohort: Empowering the Next Generation of Aerospace and Engineering Leaders

In partnership with California Jobs First, REACH, and Vandenberg Space Force Base this year’s cohort bridges the gap between academic excellence and real-world aerospace applications. The initiative unites students from UC Santa Barbara (UCSB), Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO), Cuesta College, Santa Barbara City College (SBCC), and Allan Hancock College.

Diverse Minds, Unified Goals

This cohort stands out not only for its academic diversity but also for its collaborative spirit. By bringing together students from major research universities, polytechnic institutions, and local community colleges, the program fosters a rich ecosystem of peer-to-peer mentorship and cross-disciplinary teamwork.

From designing mechanical systems to coding complex software algorithms during the eight week internship, these students are gaining the hands-on experience necessary to support the rapidly growing space enterprise along California's Central Coast.

Representing the 2026 Cohort:

• UC Santa Barbara: Eric Spangner (Mechanical Engineering), Archish Prakhya (Computer Engineering), Anthony Ma (Computer Engineering), Tennyson Huang (Mechanical Engineering), Parker Johnston (Electrical Engineering), and Ananya Balakrishnan (Mechanical Engineering).

• Cal Poly SLO: Isai Villanueva (Aerospace Engineering), Apolonio Ordaz (Mechanical Engineering), Liyen Ho (Mechanical Engineering), Sen Gharibyan (Mechanical Engineering), Lillian Clark (Aerospace Engineering), and Jacob Akanji (Software Engineering).

• Cuesta College: Ethan Peoples (Mechanical Engineering) and Rebecca Mays (Mechanical Engineering).

• Santa Barbara City College: Gustavo Muratalla Jr. (Computer Science), Elina Lopez Garza (Mechanical Engineering), and Soraya Fox (Mechanical Engineering).

• Allan Hancock College: Leticia Mendez Carmona (Computer Engineering).

Shaping the Future of the Central Coast Space Enterprise

As the aerospace sector continues to expand exponentially around Vandenberg Space Force Base, cultivating local talent is more critical than ever. The Space Vandenberg program ensures that local students are at the forefront of this economic and technological surge, providing them with the professional networks and technical skills to step directly into high-impact careers.

Please join us in celebrating and welcoming the 2026 Cohort as they launch into an incredible year of discovery, innovation, and leadership!