A 3-Step Approach Providing a Pipeline of Skilled Minority STEM Professionals for the DoD Future Workforce
Abstract
This initiative seeks to increase awareness of DoD science and technology priorities such as; artificial intelligence/machine learning, biotechnology, cyber, microelectronics and hypersonics/space to prepare for careers in national security and DoD science and technologies. The multi-university team consisting of; Alabama A&M University a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), University of Houston – Victoria (UHV) a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), and Navajo Technical University (NTU) a Tribal College, will bolster the number and quality of eligible minority STEM students successfully participating in defense-related internships and career opportunities in the greater Huntsville, AL area and beyond. All project participants will be US Citizens. The primary public benefit of this effort is to broaden DoD exposure and employability of participants with secondary benefits to enhance the retention and knowledgebase of minority STEM students attending AAMU and its sister MSI institutions, UHV and NTU. These goals will be met by supplementing the traditional STEM classroom environment with multi-step year-round programs to: 1) introduce the students to a) the necessary soft skillsets necessary to succeed in the demanding DoD environment, and b) DoD science and technology modernization priority areas; 2) give qualified students in depth exposure to one or more topics within the DoD priority areas through faculty mentoring on a DoD-relevant project; and 3) matching exceptional student candidates to co-op and internship opportunities within DoD and industry facilities that require real deliverables and workplace accountability. To accomplish these aims, a three-phase pipelined approach is proposed to improve relevant technical skills, retention, level of participation in DoD fields and career success of minority students pursuing STEM disciplines. It will follow these steps: 1) A certificate program (60 YR1, 80 YR2 and 80 YR3 students) with financial incentives, requiring completion of a twice weekly 14 week “course”, consisting of workshop sessions alternating between technical DoD priority areas and career readiness. 2) Certified students from Step 1 will apply and compete for slots in the ten week summer program (30 in YR1, 40 in YR2 and YR3), participating in faculty SME-led on-campus (AAMU) projects. Faculty SMEs cover multiple designated DoD priority areas. Successful completion will require demonstration of technical competence and workplace acumen. 3) Successful students from the Step 2 summer internship opportunity will qualify for marketing to regional DoD government and industry employers, and ongoing AAMU contracting efforts. A dedicated HR/Career Specialist will work with qualified students and government/industrial partners to accelerate job placement, co-op and internships, which match individual student’s skills and interests with the needs of the partners. The proposed program will help focus the interests, and hone the technical skills of the participant students, while facilitating a pipeline of highly qualified minority STEM graduates capable of strongly contributing to the future workforce of the DoD. These experiences will reinforce students’ confidence and aptitude by building technical and basic employability skills, as well as impart a sense of responsibility and ownership in the defense mission. For sustainability, partnerships with local and national DoD agencies will be enhanced by the quality and availability of the supplied workforce. This will lead to increased contracting opportunities for AAMU within the Federal marketplace. These time and material contracts will provide funding and projects to help continue these STEM-centric opportunities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 07, 2021
- Source ID
- HQ00342010036
Entities
People
- Paul Ruffin
Organizations
- Alabama A & M College
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- Washington Headquarters Services