Frostburg State University Receives More Than $3.5 Million in Federal Funding to Expand Planetarium into a Regional STEM Destination

Frostburg State University Receives More Than $3.5 Million in Federal Funding to Expand Planetarium into a Regional STEM Destination

Aug 21, 2026 8:00 AM

Frostburg State University has secured $2,808,000 in federal funding to expand its recently revitalized Planetarium, transforming it into a more comprehensive STEM education center that will serve University students, K-12 learners and communities throughout Western Maryland and beyond.

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and Congresswoman April McClain Delaney worked to secure this investment in Fiscal Year 2026 Congressionally Directed Spending. The funding represents the second phase of the Planetarium's multi-year modernization project and builds on a previous $750,000 federal earmark awarded in fiscal year 2023.

Senator Van Hollen, Congresswoman McClain Delaney and Delanie Blubaugh Yacuboski, Regional Director for Western and Mountain Maryland, representing U.S. Senator Alsobrooks, visited the Planetarium on Thursday to present FSU President Dr. Shadow JQ Robinson and Dr. Jason Speights, Director of the FSU Planetarium, with a ceremonial check marking the delivery of the federal funding.

"Frostburg State is helping to keep our state at the forefront of scientific discovery, educating students, preparing them for careers, and providing both students and community members the opportunity to engage in astronomy, physics, and other STEM fields. That's why we fought to secure over $3.5 million in federal funds over the years for the Frostburg State Planetarium. I am confident this public investment will strengthen STEM educational opportunities for students and - by opening the wonders of the planetarium to the public - will help inspire the next generation of scientists." said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Congresswoman McClain Delaney and Senator Alsobrooks echoed those sentiments. "Dr. Shadow Robinson and Dr. Jason Speights have a clear vision for how Frostburg State's Planetarium can serve students and families across Western Maryland. Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks and I listened, worked together, and delivered $2.8 million to equip the Planetarium and expand hands-on STEM learning. I'll keep working alongside FSU to ensure Western Maryland has the tools to educate the next generation and compete for the jobs of the future."

"We often talk about how important STEM education is for our students, and we talk about how important it is to provide knowledge and information to our communities. But we can't just say what our priorities are-we also need show it with investment. That's why I'm proud to be a part of Team Maryland's efforts to bring home $2.8 million in federal funding to help Frostburg State's Planetarium operate at its best," said Senator Alsobrooks.

The initial phase, completed earlier this year, supported the installation of a new digital projection system, operating platform and 5.1 surround sound system, creating an immersive, professional-quality viewing experience. The upgraded facility now features a dual 4K SONY projection system powered by the Digistar operating platform, along with an AstroFXAudio Standard 5.1 Surround Sound System by Bowen.

In April, the University celebrated the grand reopening of the Planetarium, highlighting its renewed role as a center for STEM education, hands-on learning and public engagement.

"This investment allows us to build on the tremendous momentum generated by the Planetarium's reopening and significantly expand its educational impact," said Frostburg State University President Dr. Shadow JQ Robinson. "The Planetarium is more than a place to observe the night sky. It is a gateway to discovery that will connect students and community members to science, technology and exploration through innovative, interactive experiences."

The newly awarded funding will support the creation of an interactive exhibit hall within the atrium of the Catherine R. Gira Center for Communications and Information Technology (CCIT), adding a new dimension to the Planetarium experience.

Planned exhibits include an interactive LED globe featuring science programming and lessons that span multiple scientific disciplines, a scaled model of the solar system extending across the Frostburg State campus and additional exhibits designed to complement and reinforce the educational mission of the Planetarium.

The funding will also establish two full-time positions to support the facility's expanding programming: a postdoctoral scholar and a planetarium coordinator.

In addition, the grant will provide funding for advanced computing systems, telescopic equipment and an upgraded operating console that will enable the development and delivery of high-resolution planetarium programs for a wide range of audiences.

"The Planetarium has already become an important educational resource for our students and the broader community," said Dr. Jason Speights, associate professor of physics and director of the Planetarium. "These enhancements will allow us to expand our programming, create new learning opportunities and strengthen our partnerships with K-12 schools and community organizations throughout the region."

The expanded facility will also showcase space memorabilia from Frostburg State alumnus and NASA astronaut Ricky Arnold '85, whose career and achievements continue to inspire future generations of scientists, engineers and explorers.

Additional details about programming and public show schedules are available at on Frostburg's website at frostburg.edu/planetarium.