The Gulf Coast Education Initiative Consortium (GCEIC) is a Mississippi non-profit 501(c)(3), charitable organization, structured and governed as an innovative partnership between 25 member school districts, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the University of Southern Mississippi (USM). As of the current 2014-2015 school year, GCEIC reportedly serves 172585 students and 17985 educators in 222 schools. Financial support includes membership fees paid by member school districts, donations from distinguished business partners, revenues from professional development training, special projects and in-kind support provided by The University of Southern Mississippi. A nine-member board governs GCEIC and approves all financial and policy decisions. The board meets prior to all regular monthly meetings of the full consortium of our member superintendents. Monthly topics for consortium meetings are based on input from member superintendents and address timely education issues.