The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and the University of Missouri: St. Louis (UMSL) are joining forces to create a geospatial talent pipeline that supports student learning from K-12, college, and beyond.
Under the partnership, UMSL faculty and staff will work collaboratively with NGA professionals to develop academic courses and programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics that will provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for careers in geospatial intelligence.
NGA Director Vice Adm. Robert Sharp and UMSL Chancellor Kristin Sobolik made the partnership official by signing the agreement on October 6, during the 2021 GEOINT Symposium.
“We’re very serious about recruiting for the workforce of our future – to include increasing diversity and inclusion and making NGA the gold standard for workplaces in every area,” Adm. Sharp said.
“We envision St. Louis becoming a hub for geospatial technology, not just in Missouri or in the Midwest but globally, and we are eager to work with NGA to help shape that future. We know our students and faculty will benefit greatly from the talent and expertise of NGA professionals,” Solobik said.
The partnership will also help NGA and the broader geospatial ecosystem meet mission needs around the agency’s new $1.75 billion west campus (N2W) near downtown St. Louis.
NGA and UMSL also plan to collaborate on future workshops or conferences held either at N2W or UMSL. NGA will facilitate tours and demonstrations for students and faculty at unclassified facilities on the new campus. It will also suggest research projects suitable for student participation and could provide internship opportunities for students and sabbaticals for faculty members.
