KEY OFFICIAL HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR DOD INVESTMENT IN MINORITY STEM ACADEMIC INITIATIVES
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Posted By: Catalina Deossa on July 31, 2024 Aprille Ericsson, the newly confirmed Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology, addressed the importance of engaging with minority academic programs and students during her keynote speech at the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCU/MI) Opportunities Workshop and Intern Seminar. This two-day event, held near Washington, D.C., was designed to raise awareness of opportunities within the DOD, foster collaboration, and encourage students to explore STEM opportunities related to national security. Ericsson, who recently assumed her role and holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering, emphasized the critical need for the DOD to connect with HBCU and MI students. She highlighted the value of diverse perspectives in driving innovation and achieving long-term success in science and technology programs that impact military effectiveness. According to Ericsson, recruiting from a diverse pool of talent is essential for the DOD's success in meeting its mission requirements. During her speech, Ericsson outlined several initiatives aimed at increasing engagement with HBCU and MI students. She mentioned a new grant program from the DOD’s Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Office, designed to support students pursuing STEM degrees. Additionally, she discussed a scholarship program for high school seniors, noting that 12 awardees for 2024 will be attending HBCUs or MIs. Ericsson also highlighted a pilot military scholarship program specifically for these institutions and the Naval Postgraduate School. Ericsson drew attention to the DOD’s establishment of 15 HBCU Centers of Excellence, which play a significant role in conducting collaborative research. These centers attract early career researchers and offer new opportunities for students to participate in impactful projects. Overseeing a workforce of more than 60,000 science and technology employees and 63 research laboratories and engineering centers globally, Ericsson stressed the importance of both recruitment and retention within her domain. She emphasized that maintaining a competitive advantage relies heavily on the talent and expertise within the DOD’s science and technology workforce. In conclusion, Ericsson expressed her hope that the students present would consider careers in government service, recognizing the essential role their skills play in supporting the DOD’s mission. She urged attendees to view their potential contributions as vital to the defense of the nation and the advancement of its technological capabilities. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Catalina Deossa
Archaeologist, CHRONOS SAS Florida Int`l Univ class of 2011 Member Since April 2024 |
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