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Consortium Increases Access to Technical STEM Talent
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. -- The Defense STEM Education Consortium (DSEC), managed by RTI International, a nonprofit research institute, has selected four historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to join the Consortium based on their ability to create and strengthen STEM feeder pathways from Pre-K–12 to community colleges and four-year educational institutions. DSEC recognizes that HBCUs have unique strengths and capacities to expand the nation’s technical talent pool in STEM. The four new partners are as follows:
BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY AND PRINCE GEORGE’S COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Bowie State University (BSU), Maryland’s first HBCU, supports the state’s workforce and economy through strategic partnerships, research and public service. BSU offers a core strength in computer and information sciences and has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
Prince George’s Community College (PGCC), whose main campus is located in Largo, Maryland, is an open-enrollment institution for students seeking a degree, career development or new skills. PGCC offers a STEM-related core strength in health sciences and computer technology.
In partnership, BSU and PGCC will develop a STEM Student Learning Community that will connect STEM students from the two institutions and the surrounding high schools. In addition, they will develop a Professional Learning Community to connect their faculty with STEM teachers from the surrounding high schools. The goal is to align their computer science courses and create clear pathways for students to progress through their institutions and ultimately graduate with four-year STEM degrees.
CENTERAL STATE UNIVERSITY AND SINCLAIR COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Central State University (CSU) in Dayton, Ohio, is newly transitioning to a heavily STEM-focused research portfolio and hosts an Army ROTC program. CSU offers a STEM-related core strength in manufacturing engineering instruction.
Sinclair Community College (SCC), located in Dayton, Ohio, is a large, open-access institution serving 30,000 students annually with more than 300 degrees and certificate programs at five locations in Ohio. SCC has strong ties with nearby employers through internship and registered apprenticeship programs. SCC offers a STEM-related core strength in biotechnology and engineering manufacturing instruction.
In partnership, CSU and SCC are developing the CSU-SCC STEM Academy to offer clearly defined pathways and comprehensive services to prepare middle and high school students to study STEM in college and pursue STEM careers.
About Defense Stem Education Consortium
DSEC, fully funded by the Department of Defense (DoD) and managed by RTI International, is a collaborative partnership of STEM-focused organizations dedicated to addressing and prioritizing the nation’s STEM talent. In support of the DoD STEM Strategic Plan, Fiscal Years 2021–2025 and aligned to the 2018 Federal STEM Strategic Plan, DSEC aims to broaden STEM literacy and develop a diverse and agile workforce with the technical excellence to defend the nation. Through strategic investments in STEM education and outreach activities, DSEC partner efforts provide students and educators with exposure to educational and workforce development opportunities, as well as awareness about career opportunities in STEM fields across the DoD. For more information visit https://dodstem.us/stem-programs/partners.
