NGA, UMSL partnering to develop STEM professionals and educators

October 10, 2021
Vice Admiral Robert Sharp and Dr. Kristin Sobilik sign paperwork at GEOINT
Former NGA Director Robert Sharp (at left), who joined UMSL Chancellor Kristin Sobolik in signing an Educational Partnership Agreement between UMSL and NGA last year, is joining the UMSL Geospatial Collaborative as a research fellow and will help guide efforts to lead collaborative K-16 workforce and talent development. (Photo courtesy of Jessica Daues/NGA)

 

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and University of Missouri–St. Louis are partnering to create a geospatial talent pipeline that supports student learning from kindergarten through college and beyond.

Under a new educational partnership agreement, UMSL faculty and staff will work collaboratively with NGA professionals to develop academic courses and programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics that will provide students the knowledge and skills needed for careers in geospatial intelligence.

They will also receive assistance from NGA subject matter experts to train K‑12 educators in innovative teaching techniques that can help inspire future generations to study STEM and pursue STEM careers. There will be a focus on reaching underrepresented student populations in line with UMSL’s commitment to inclusive excellence.