Argonaut is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation founded by D. Andrew Ferguson and Douglas McConnell in 2010. Recognizing the workforce shortages and a lack of diversity in the aerospace and maritime industries, they created a combined business/education model that incorporates a project-based learning environment and real-life experiences for high school-aged youth in the city of Cleveland. Our Mission is to build adventurers through immersive learning experiences that challenge assumptions and shift norms for growing empowered talent in aerospace and maritime fields. The corporation’s name was changed from PHASTAR to Argonaut in June 2022; not satisfied with the status quo, Argonaut has developed infrastructure, invested in human capital, and engaged in solid partnerships to propel its growth. The staff has been working diligently to build capacity and implement a strategic plan for expansion and sustainability that will carry it well into the future.

Argonaut

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