RIT tapped to lead Army STEM initiative

Rochester Institute of Technology will lead efforts to develop and expand the nation’s talent pipeline through the Army STEM Education Consortium.

The U.S. Department of the Army Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics has awarded RIT a premier cooperative agreement to establish the consortium. The agreement is administered by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command on behalf of the assistant secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology.

 “The Army STEM Education Consortium is a vital investment in our nation’s scientific and innovative future,” says Brian Leftridge, STEM program manager and ASEC cooperative agreement manager for U.S. Army DEVCOM. “By cultivating a diverse STEM talent pipeline from early education through postgraduate research, ASEC builds the expert workforce required for tomorrow’s research and development. This sustainable talent pool equips the Army and the nation to master emerging technologies and solve the world’s most complex technical challenges.”

RIT and ASEC members will spearhead critical efforts to advance Army STEM strategic goals and take a central role in developing and expanding the nation’s STEM talent pipeline to meet vital national security priorities well into the future, officials say.

“The future of STEM education and workforce development is rapidly evolving,” says Donna Burnette, executive director of RIT’s K-12 University Center and ASEC chair and principal investigator. “To remain effective and impactful, Army STEM must be flexible, adaptive, and innovative and anticipate the needs of the future workforce and the mission it supports.”

RIT will bring together partner organizations to offer an integrated suite of STEM education and workforce development initiatives that support learners and educators from early schooling through postdoctoral training. The goal is to create enrichment opportunities, internships, professional development and long-term pathways to careers and education. Those who participate in Army STEM programs will be able to remain involved as mentors, educators and researchers.

Establishing a STEM ecosystem is a consortium priority, Burnette says

“Through this consortium, RIT will coordinate a nationwide network of partners to deliver STEM education and workforce development programs that reach students and educators from elementary school through postdoctoral study,” says RIT president Bill Sanders. “This is not about steering students toward a single career, but about opening doors to exploration, preparation, and possibility.”

RIT is partnering with Blake Learning Solutions, the Griffiss Institute, ICF Inc., the National Science Teaching Association, and Tennessee Technological University to provide program delivery, educator engagement, data analytics, workforce development, and strategic communications, officials say.

Burnette praised the partners, their expertise and their ability to prepare the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators who will contribute to the Army’s mission.

Smriti Jacob is Rochester Beacon managing editor. 

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