WASHINGTON -- The International Space University (ISU) announced today a five-year renewal of a partnership agreement with The Boeing Company in which the aerospace giant will continue its strong support of the university's programs and students.

In announcing the renewal, Dr. Michael K. Simpson, President of ISU, said the partnership "has been extraordinary. It has not only helped us fund badly needed scholarships, it has also enabled our students to benefit from the expertise, counsel and guidance of many members of the Boeing team."

"I am especially pleased," he continued, "that under this agreement, The Boeing Company will be a prime sponsor of ISU's Space Studies Program this coming summer to be hosted by NASA's Ames Research Center in the heart of Silicon Valley."

Under the renewal, covering school years from 2008 to 2012, Boeing will provide $675,000 in support to the university, which provides graduate-level training to current and future leaders of the emerging global space community.

"Boeing is honored to be a part of ISU and applauds the university's ongoing dedication to the study of space-related disciplines in an international environment," said Brewster Shaw, Boeing Vice President and General Manager for Space Exploration.

"We are pleased that this contribution will enable master's level studies for exceptional students and will provide unique continuing-education opportunities to some Boeing employees," Shaw added.

Under the agreement, ISU's main auditorium will continue to be named the "Boeing Auditorium." The agreement includes a philanthropic portion, plus a Boeing investment in workforce development. Each year, Boeing will send a minimum of two employees to ISU for training - at least one each for ISU's Master's and nine-week Space Studies programs.

The renewed partnership reaffirms ISU's role in support of critical workforce needs in the aerospace sector.

The International Space University conducts programs at its central campus in Strasbourg, France, and at locations around the world. ISU offers a unique core curriculum covering all disciplines related to space programs and enterprises - space and earth sciences, engineering, satellite applications, policy and law, business and management, and space and society. ISU also provides short courses for professional development and lifelong learning.

Since its founding on the campus of MIT in 1987, with noted author and visionary Sir Arthur C. Clarke as its first Chancellor, ISU has graduated more than 2700 students from 100 countries.

For more information on ISU's programs and activities: www.isunet.edu