Last week, Gen. David D. Thompson, the Vice Chief of Space Operations, signed a memorandum of understanding with Howard University’s Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Anthony K. Wutoh. This partnership is part of the Space Force University Partnership Program (UPP).
Gen. Thompson said, “As we grow the Space Force University Partnership Program, we are joining with academic institutions with a variety of strengths and opportunities. Howard University is a producer of world-class science and engineering talent, particularly among the African-American community. We know that Howard can help us develop future Guardians who can bring the technical expertise and diversity of thought and experience we need to serve the nation’s security interests in space.”
Space Force signs partnership with Howard University @US_SpaceCom https://t.co/aAigmTOGLM
— Defense Logistics (@DLAMIL) April 16, 2022
The Space Force’s growth and success is dependent on their ability to recruit and train the most eligible, technologically inclined, and diverse workforce available. Establishing partnerships with institutions like Howard University enable this growth exponentially.
“The purpose of the Howard University partnership with the Space Force is to advance STEM research while supporting important national security objectives,” said Dr. Wutoh.
The partnership will also “create opportunities for advanced academic degrees, open channels for university students and ROTC cadet scholarships and establish world-class research opportunities,” according to the Pentagon.
Dr. Wutoh said, “We also expect our collaboration to inspire creativity and learning among a diverse group of leaders among students and faculty.”
The University Partnership Program’s mission is to develop and nurture a rich pipeline of candidates, military and civilian, through scholarships, fellowships, and internships.
Currently, the UPP included partnerships with Georgia Institute of Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Purdue University, University of Colorado, University of North Dakota, University of Southern California, University of Texas Austin and El Paso, and the University of Texas system.
According to the Space Force, the program “also provides research opportunities for university students, including US Air Force Academy and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets, and select uniformed military and civilian members of the Space Force.”
