As part of a significant effort to support student projects in science and technology, Northrop Grumman awarded Florida A&M University-Florida State University College of Engineering a $50,000 grant.
Northrop Grumman is an American mega-corporation who specializes in global aerospace and defense technology.
As of 2010, the company was the fourth-largest defense contractor in the world. Northrop Grumman employs over 68,000 people worldwide, including FAMU alumni. Northrop Grumman’s vice president, Tameika (Franklin) Hollis, is a FAMU alumna.
The company ranked No. 72 on the 2011 Fortune 500 list of America’s largest corporation. Northrop Grumman supports student projects all over the world including one of its latest ventures in Singapore for their Maritime RobotX Challenge.
The grant proposal was a collaborative effort between the FAMU University Advancement office and the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering to make this grant opportunity a possibility. The funds will be invested back into the effort to support student projects.
“This particular program required students to build a model and those expenses that are inquired with supplies and materials wouldn’t be possible without funding. This grant provides funding and opportunity for students to continue conducting projects without being burdened with expenses. It benefits the students greatly to have hands-on experience,” Eda Garcia, Grants Coordinator for FAMU Foundation, said.
Students school wide are excited about the grant and the outstanding efforts projected by the college of engineering.
“In general the funding will not only help the college of engineering, but will also help the whole school. It offers students, like myself, better opportunities to give back in more ways than before. I hope to one day participate in student projects myself,” Adonis Doxilly, a freshman computer and information sciences student from Orlando, Fla., said.
“It’s exciting to see that FAMU continues to stay on the map. That’s why funding for such programs are so important. It allows us to compete on every level. We are a force to be reckoned with! I am always proud to say that I attend FAMU,” Travis Hicks, a junior healthcare management student from Key West, Fla., said.
Northrop Grumman is known for partnering with FAMU and participates in FAMU’s Career Expos. Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce.
With this grant from Northrop Grumman, the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering will strengthen and broaden their efforts to support student projects and many opportunities to come.