NGA, Harris-Stowe State University sign agreement to develop STEM educators

ST. LOUIS – National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Director Vice Adm. Robert Sharp and Harris-Stowe State University President Dr. Corey S. Bradford Sr. signed an agreement Sept. 21 that allows NGA professionals and HSSU faculty, staff and students to work together to develop the next generation of science, technology, engineering and math educators.

The agreement, which was signed in a ceremony at HSSU, lays the foundation for NGA and HSSU to collaborate on course offerings at Harris-Stowe for STEM educators.

This is the beginning of a joint effort to create innovative STEM teaching techniques for use nationally that can be measured and refined for effectiveness, said NGA’s Dr. J.N. Markiel, senior GEOINT authority for geomatics.

“Our national security depends on the leadership and innovation that will come from the next generation of science, mathematics, engineering and technology professionals.  We'll need top-quality STEM educators to teach and mentor that next generation,” said NGA Director Sharp. “We are so excited to enter into this partnership with Harris-Stowe State University. It will help develop the STEM educators and professionals that will forge and form the future workforce for NGA and the region.”

A partnership with NGA offers HSSU the opportunity to collaborate on innovative education initiatives with the professionals who are experts in their STEM fields.

“This partnership is a wonderful opportunity for our students and faculty,” HSSU President Dr. Bradford said. “Harris-Stowe’s strengths are STEM education and degree attainment in these fields. HSSU and NGA have many shared goals that will be furthered through the exchange of ideas, personnel and resources made possible through this agreement. Furthermore, HSSU is a vital resource in meeting the region’s ongoing workforce needs. This partnership will offer enhanced educational experiences to the HSSU students through research and other hands-on learning opportunities.”

In support of the goal of developing future STEM educators and sparking interest in STEM topics among K-16 students, the partnership also:

• Provides HSSU students and faculty with access to NGA’s personnel, facilities and technology so they can learn about and collaborate in the disciplines associated with NGA’s mission. 
• Allows NGA scientists and professionals to leverage the educational knowledge and capabilities of HSSU students and faculty to execute their mission.
• Encourages early interest in STEM topics by people at NGA and HSSU at all stages of their academic careers.
• Provides the potential for more opportunities for HSSU and NGA to work together in areas of mutual opportunity, including on topics of critical thinking and analysis.

“This is just the start of the partnership,” said Dr. Markiel. “The agreement can be amended going forward, so additional goals may be added as appropriate as we continue our collaborative efforts.”

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About NGA

NGA delivers world-class geospatial intelligence that provides a decisive advantage to policymakers, warfighters, intelligence professionals and first responders. NGA is a unique combination of intelligence agency and combat support agency. It is the world leader in timely, relevant, accurate and actionable geospatial intelligence. NGA enables the U.S. intelligence community and the Department of Defense to fulfill the president’s national security priorities to protect the nation. For more information about NGA, visit us online at www.nga.mil, Facebook, Twitter, Flipboard, SoundCloud or YouTube.

About Harris-Stowe State University

Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU), located in midtown St. Louis, is a fully accredited four-year institution with more than 50 majors, minors and certificate programs in education, business and arts and sciences. Harris-Stowe’s mission is to provide outstanding educational opportunities for individuals seeking a rich and engaging academic experience. HSSU’s programs are designed to nurture intellectual curiosity and build authentic skills that prepare students for leadership roles in a global society.