WELLESLEY HILLS (June 3, 2015) — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), New England District, has partnered with Massachusetts Bay Community College (MassBay) to help build the future generation of skilled engineers and scientists.
Given that 80 percent of new jobs over the next decade will require science and math skills and with USACE’s goal to attract a diverse and talented STEM workforce, USACE’s “Partnership in (STEM) Education” program with MassBay underscores the increasing importance of community colleges in preparing an educated workforce, particularly in science, engineering, and technology-related fields.
“The supportive relationship is established in recognition of the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to the future political and economic well-being of the nation and the importance of MassBay Community College to the business, industrial, and governmental institutions in this region,” according to the agreement signed by President John O’Donnell of MassBay Community College and Colonel Christopher J. Barron, Commander and District Engineer from the U.S. Corps of Engineers, New England District.
USACE employs about 37,000 civilians and military personnel who provide engineering, design, and construction management expertise to various public works projects, including flood protection, dam and canal design and construction, military base construction, and environmental restoration. USACE is one of the world’s largest public agencies to oversee major public works projects.
“Through this partnership with MassBay, the USACE will move closer to achieving one of its primary objectives which is to ‘shape the workforce of the future’ by attracting a highly competent and diverse STEM workforce,” said Col. Barron, Commander and District Engineer of the New England District.
Through the partnership, MassBay and USACE will work to identify, develop, and collaborate on specific areas of research where MassBay students will be able to receive college credit while supporting the ongoing work of USACE.
This partnership will make it possible for Engineers and other professionals at USACE to partner with MassBay faculty by providing expertise and assistance in developing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics courses with real-world applications. USACE would also provide students with mentorship and professional development opportunities.
This partnership is one of several important relationships that MassBay has established with industry leaders and national universities around STEM initiatives. MassBay has a strong, ongoing partnership with Genzyme/Sanofi to bring mentoring opportunities to students. Recently, the College also partnered with Northeastern University to develop a new Transform Certificate program in Advanced Manufacturing for college graduates with liberal arts degrees.
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Founded in 1961, MassBay Community College is a comprehensive, open-access college dedicated to student learning and academic achievement through academically rigorous courses and programs. On the college’s three campuses in Wellesley Hills, Framingham, and Ashland, as well as online, MassBay awards associate degrees and certificates in more than 70 academic programs in the liberal arts and in career-driven fields.
MassBay Community College is a comprehensive, open-access college dedicated to student learning and achievement through academically rigorous courses and programs. MassBay awards associate degrees and certificates in more than 70 academic programs in the liberal arts and in career-driven fields, such as business, health sciences, and automotive technology. On the college’s three campuses in Wellesley Hills, Framingham, and Ashland, as well as online, MassBay offers day, evening, and weekend classes that meet the needs of degree-seeking students and career-minded life-long learners.
More information about MassBay and the upcoming academic semesters can be found at www.massbay.edu, or by calling (781) 239-2411.