Akamai Internship Program
Abstract
The Akamai Internship Program, a major component of the Akamai Workforce Initiative (AWI), addressed workforce needs in Hawai i, where workforce shortfalls have the potential to impede U.S. leadership in astronomy and space surveillance, and the situation exemplifies problems faced by many large, remotely located facilities. Construction of the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) has begun on the summit of Haleakala (Maui), and ground breaking for the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) International Observatory on Mauna Kea (Hawai i Island) is planned for this fall. Workforce needs for both telescopes have been increasing, and affect all existing facilities and projects, including the Maui Space Surveillance Complex and sub-contractors that carry out maintenance, operation, and R&D for the Air Force. Since its inception, AWI has prioritized inclusion of people from diverse backgrounds, especially those from groups underrepresented in STEM. Through this project, a long-term retention of >80% of Akamai undergraduate interns in STEM degrees and careers has been accomplished, an important outcome when compared to national STEM graduation rates (<40%). More than 100 alumni are now in STEM jobs (2/3 in Hawai i), and a steady flow continues to enter the workforce.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 17, 2015
- Accession Number
- ADA621878
Entities
People
- Lisa Hunter
Organizations
- University of Hawaiʻi System