In a keynote address at a DOD-sponsored event, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology Aprille Ericsson emphasized the importance of reaching out to minority academic STEM programs and their students. The event, the Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions Opportunities Workshop and Intern Seminar, aimed to raise awareness of DOD opportunities, promote collaboration, engage in initiatives supporting national security, and encourage students to explore STEM opportunities within the DOD. Ericsson highlighted the significance of diversity in backgrounds for the success of science and technology programs impacting military service members.
Ericsson discussed various ways in which the DOD is working to connect with talented individuals from HBCU/MI programs. She mentioned scholarship opportunities, including a new grant program from DOD’s Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation Office, a scholarship for high school seniors attending HBCUs or MIs, and a military scholarship pilot program for HBCUs and the Naval Postgraduate School. Additionally, Ericsson highlighted the 15 HBCU Centers of Excellence established by DOD, which conduct collaborative research to attract early career researchers and provide opportunities for students to participate in.
As the newly confirmed Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology, Ericsson oversees a large science and technology workforce within the DOD, including 63 research laboratories and engineering centers worldwide. She emphasized the importance of recruiting and retaining talent within the science and technology workforce to maintain a competitive advantage for the warfighters. Ericsson encouraged attendees to consider government service, recognizing the vital skill sets present in the students participating in the event.
In her role, Ericsson aims to continue making strides in connecting with talented individuals from minority academic STEM programs and promoting diversity in the DOD’s science and technology workforce. Through scholarship opportunities, collaborative research initiatives, and engagement with HBCU/MI students, the DOD seeks to attract the best and brightest minds to support national security functions. Ericsson’s keynote address highlighted the ongoing efforts to open doors for future and current students attending HBCU or MI programs, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in shaping the future of science and technology programs within the Defense Department.
