Trident Tech receives $1.9M for STEM initiatives

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Trident Technical College is set to receive a $1.9 million grant to promote STEM pathways, the college said in a news release.

It is one of only 12 institutions throughout the country to be awarded a National Defense Education Program Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics award by the Department of Defense.

The funding will help Trident Tech execute an initiative called Building Outreach Opportunities to Motivate and Inspire the Next Generation in STEM to addresses workforce needs in the Charleston area and focuses on disadvantaged K-12 students who are military-connected and live in rural areas.

The technical college will partner with Joint Base Charleston and Charleston Promise Neighborhood to use this grant to provide STEM-related youth camps and coursework.

“Creating clear pathways for students to explore STEM options and train for STEM careers will strengthen and expand the regional talent pipeline,” Trident Technical College’s Vice President for Education Cathy Almquist said. “This project will help our region address the need for well-trained, diverse employees in fields such as advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity, which are critical Department of Defense priorities.”

Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Michael Kratsios said that over a three-year period, the department plans to grant more than $31 million to educational and industry partners to create or expand STEM education, outreach and workforce initiatives.

“We are particularly pleased with the range of initiatives pursued by this year’s awardees, with programs for early childhood education, postsecondary study and outreach to student veterans,” Kratsios said. “This investment will be critical to expanding STEM opportunities to students, educators and veterans in underserved, underrepresented and military-connected communities.”