Space Force signs partnership with Howard University

Published April 13, 2022
By Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, Virginia -- The U.S. Space Force welcomed Howard University to its University Partnership Program during a virtual ceremony April 11.

Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. David D. Thompson and Howard University Provost and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Anthony K. Wutoh signed the memorandum of understanding from their respective locations at the Pentagon and Howard campus in Washington, D.C.

“As we grow the Space Force University Partnership Program, we are joining with academic institutions with a variety of strengths and opportunities,” Thompson said. “Howard University is a producer of world-class science and engineering talent, particularly among the African-American community. We know that Howard can help us develop future Guardians who can bring the technical expertise and diversity of thought and experience we need to serve the nation’s security interests in space.”

Establishing strategic partnerships with a select set of nationally-renowned universities enables the Space Force to recruit and educate a diverse and tech-savvy Guardian workforce, create opportunities for advanced academic degrees, open channels for university students and ROTC cadet scholarships and establish world-class research opportunities.

“The purpose of the Howard University partnership with the Space Force is to advance STEM research while supporting important national security objectives,” said Wutoh. “We also expect our collaboration to inspire creativity and learning among a diverse group of leaders among students and faculty.”

With a focus on workforce development, the University Partnership Program aims to provide a consistent pipeline of talent through internship, mentorship, scholarship, fellowship. The UPP also provides research opportunities for university students, including US Air Force Academy and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets, and select uniformed military and civilian members of the Space Force.

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private research university comprised of 14 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 140 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. To date, Howard has awarded more than 120,000 degrees in the arts, the sciences, and the humanities, and more African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States.

The other universities currently in the UPP are Georgia Institute of Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Purdue University, University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado Springs, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, University of North Dakota, University of Southern California, University of Texas Austin and El Paso, and the University of Texas system.

The UPP institutions were selected based on four criteria: the quality of STEM degree offerings and space-related research laboratories and initiatives; ROTC program strength; diversity of student population; and degrees and programming designed to support military, veterans, and their families in pursuing higher education.

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