Gallaudet University students and two staff members of the university’s career development office visited NAVAIR Patuxent River April 28 to discover the vast career opportunities offered by the command to support our Sailors and Marines.

The visit by the 13 Gallaudet students was an extension of an educational partnership between NAVAIR and the university developed in 2009. Gallaudet University, located in Washington, D.C., is the world leader in liberal education and career development for deaf and hard of hearing undergraduate and graduate students.

For the past year, NAVAIR has taken steps to strengthen this partnership. Last October, a team of employees met with academic department chairs to expand their knowledge of the command. In March, employees visited the campus to talk to students about co-op, internship and career opportunities. The students’ keen interest evolved into the daylong reciprocal tour of the NAVAIR facilities in April.

NAVAIR’s Targeted Disabilities Barrier Removal Team Champion James Meade welcomed the group of students, many of whom are on the brink of graduation and prepared to enter the job market. “We have endless opportunities for individuals interested in growing professionally,” said Meade as he gave the students a snapshot of their day ahead.

Greg Yellman, deputy assistant commander Corporate Operations, provided the students with a broad overview of the work performed at NAVAIR. “Building the pipeline for the command's workforce is crucial to sustaining our future readiness,” said Yellman. “We must continually promote the exciting careers at NAVAIR to enhance our potential for recruiting diverse, talented individuals.

Gallaudet students also partook in a windshield tour of the base, including a tour of the Horizontal Accelerator, Quarter Dome and the Manned Flight Simulator. “My eyes are wide open with amazement,” said Chani White, an accounting student at Gallaudet. “I had no idea what NAVAIR did prior to today. I am so impressed by the technology and the people. This has been a great day.”

Likewise, Travis Hayes, an accounting major graduating in December, was fascinated by the range of work and teamwork needed to get the job done. “The information presented to me today goes well beyond my expectations,” Hayes said. “It makes me realize that NAVAIR may be a good fit for me.”

At the conclusion of the day, Paula Hummer of NAVAIR’s Individuals with Disabilities (IWD) Recruitment Team shared recruitment information and insight into the numerous developmental programs and internships available through the command. Before their trip home, many of the students approached Hummer with their resume in hand, confirmation that the day was a success for both NAVAIR and Gallaudet.

In fiscal year 2009, NAVAIR hired 20 individuals with targeted disabilities, the highest number of targeted disability hires in the Department of the Navy for the second year in a row. A command objective for fiscal year 2010 is to double that number. Initiatives, including the partnership between NAVAIR and Gallaudet University, play a key role in achieving this goal for a more diverse workforce.

For additional information on future IWD recruitment initiatives and events, please contact Paula Hummer at 301-342-6883 or e-mail [email protected]. For information on NAVAIR’s IWD Program and Reasonable Accommodations, please contact Dr. Nancy Danganan at 301-757-4112 or e-mail [email protected].

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Senior Executive and NAVAIR’s Targeted Disabilities Barrier Removal Team Champion James Meade (center) welcomes a Gallaudet student as Candace Strayer (left), an American Sign Language interpreter for NAVAIR, translates. Thirteen Gallaudet University students and two staff members of the university’s career development office spent the day at NAVAIR Patuxent River, Md., April 28.

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Greg Yellman, deputy assistant commander Corporate Operations (right), presents an overview of the command’s competencies, programs and the type of work done by NAVAIR workforce. Candace Strayer translates for the Gallaudet students.

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Gallaudet students eagerly approach the bus for the windshield tour of the Patuxent River Naval Air Station.

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One of NAVAIR’s deaf employees, Edward Cheah, a Financial Management Career intern, participates in a portion of the day providing encouragement and feedback for the Gallaudet students.

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Chani White, an accounting student at Gallaudet University, poses a question about the command’s framework. Joseph Herdia, a recent graduate of the university, watches the interpreter.