ONR Promotes Navy's Diverse Opportunities at Conference

By Paula Paige, Office of Naval Research

Arlington (NNS) -- Office of Naval Research (ONR) officials said the National Society of Black Engineers' (NSBE) annual convention, held March 23-27, in St. Louis, offered a gateway for showcasing the U.S. Navy's diverse educational and career opportunities.

Programs and workshops targeted the more than 15,000 students, engineering professionals and exhibitors who attended NSBE's 2011 convention.

"NSBE is a perfect intersection for ONR," said Dr. Anthony Junior, ONR education programs manager. "We hope this partnership will benefit underrepresented minorities who are pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and that this population will complete their education and put it to work for the Navy and Marine Corps."

Statistics showing the U.S. lagging the world in students who pursue STEM degrees and census figures forecasting a more diverse demographic population have fueled the Navy's investment in science education.

At the NSBE convention, ONR officials shared information about educational opportunities, such as its Naval Research Enterprise Internship and its Science and Engineering Apprentice Program.

"Investing in STEM careers is a key priority for ONR as the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps science and technology provider," Junior said. "We want this investment to pay off by producing the next generation of naval scientists and engineers.

Founded in 1975, NSBE serves African-Americans in engineering and technology and supports professionals, students and pre-college students.

According to the organization's website, its mission is "to increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community." NSBE has more than 33,000 students, professional and pre-college members in over 430 chapters nationwide and overseas.