Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Lakehurst and the Pennsylvania State University signed a new Educational Partnership Agreement (EPA), in effect for the next five years, in recognition of the vital role that Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) play in the United States’ current as well as future viability and well-being. 

This EPA was established with the goals to facilitate student interest and expertise in STEM and to provide a rigorous academic program that will, in turn, afford NAWCAD Lakehurst a greater local pool of candidates to help fill future employment needs. 

“This EPA will provide Penn State students with access to our state-of-the-art and innovative technological methods so they can have a first-hand experience in Navy STEM,” said Kathleen Donnelly, NAWCAD Lakehurst executive director. “With this exposure to the ideas of the academic community, NAWCAD Lakehurst will gain enhanced perspectives on a multitude of projects.” 

Access to NAWCAD Lakehurst will provide a unique opportunity for the Penn State students to become aware of and collaborate in the many disciplines associated with all aspects of aircraft systems and sub-systems from concept, to integration, and through to testing, which would not otherwise be available in a school environment. 

“This EPA will encourage and facilitate early interest in the sciences and engineering by young people at all stages of their academic careers,” said Haidy Oliveira, NAWCAD Lakehurst educational outreach coordinator. “These students will be gaining invaluable experience with their research and development work through Capstone Projects; preparing a career path for them to be passionate and competent team members in support of the Naval Aviation Mission.”