NAVAIR works with local schools and colleges to develop future engineers, scientists Published July 7, 2011 By Mauricio Borrero Naval Air Systems Command JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Within the Navy there is a growing concern the United States is not preparing a sufficient number of professionals in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Regardless of the amount of dedication and enthusiasm exhibited by our nation's outstanding teachers, additional resources are needed to stimulate interest and excitement about learning and practicing math and science. Since 1999, when Naval Air Systems Command Lakehurst first signed an Educational Partnership Agreement with Rowan University to share people and resources to undertake various engineering and design projects, the numbers and scope of these agreements have grown steadily. Currently NAVAIR Lakehurst has EPAs with Rowan, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Georgian Court University, Ocean County College, the Lacey Township Schools and the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science. In the coming year, EPAs are in the works with Villanova University, Drexel University, Pennsylvania State University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, the Pemberton Township Schools and the Manchester Township Schools. By establishing relationships with these universities and school districts, we place ourselves in a position to aid in the educational experience of both students and faculty by providing them with a path to interact with our engineering and scientific expertise. They get the opportunity to visit our unique facilities and observe first hand our specific mission of aircraft launch and recovery, as it relates to naval aviation. Students and faculty interact with our highly trained and professional staff of engineers and scientists in a wide variety of ways: capstone projects, design clinics, school career days, on-the-job shadowing, classroom visits, facility and laboratory tours, curriculum collaboration and workshop development, student and teacher summer internships and science fairs, expos and symposiums. These relationships provide unique opportunities to a diverse population of students and faculty, from the primary, secondary and undergraduate levels, allowing them to become aware of the varied technical disciplines and areas of expertise associated with aircraft systems and support equipment worked on at NAVAIR - from concept, to integration, through testing and maintaining. These interactions and experiences are not readily available in a typical school environment. It is our intent to facilitate student curiosity and exploration in the STEM areas with the hopes of instilling in them an interest and desire to pursue career paths in these critical fields. NAVAIR's mission is to provide the technologies that will deliver superior aircraft and airborne weapons and allow aircraft to operate safely and effectively from aircraft carriers, air capable ships and expeditionary airfields worldwide. Our partnership outreach programs seek to ensure that today's students will continue to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and satisfy tomorrow's naval aviation requirements.