Texas A&M University System Partners with U.S. Army to Boost STEM Education

The Texas A&M University System has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC), aimed at enhancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and broadening federal career opportunities for students across its 11 universities.

This collaborative effort aligns with ATEC’s support role to the Army Futures Command, which is dedicated to equipping U.S. soldiers with cutting-edge and dependable battlefield technology. The partnership will offer Texas A&M students unique academic and career advising opportunities, insights into federal service, and hands-on experiences through defense project internships that could also count towards academic credit.

ATEC staff are set to engage directly with students, providing career guidance and facilitating the development of new courses and educational materials. Additionally, ATEC will offer sabbatical options for faculty and opportunities for guest lecturers to contribute to the academic environment, enhancing the educational offerings related to national security and technological innovation.

“The Texas A&M System is honored to be selected for this partnership,” said Chancellor John Sharp. “The Army recognizes our leadership in national security innovation and technology. Service to the nation is in our DNA.”

ATEC is responsible for the developmental and operational testing and evaluation of a wide array of military systems and equipment. This partnership not only aims to provide unbiased data to Army leadership but also to foster an environment where academic pursuits meet practical defense applications.

James Amato, Executive Technical Director at ATEC, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership: “This agreement leverages Texas A&M University System’s robust research resources and facilities to support ATEC’s mission. It ensures that when our soldiers enter the battlefield, they do so with equipment that is safe, effective, suitable, and survivable.”

The Education Partnership Agreement (EPA) is expected to serve as a vital resource for ATEC to tap into the Texas A&M System’s pool of emerging STEM talent, helping to shape a workforce equipped with essential 21st-century skills. This initiative marks a significant step forward in linking higher education achievements with critical national defense objectives.