A groundbreaking collaboration between academia and the Nuclear Security Enterprise occurred recently when representatives and students from leading Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) visited the Nevada National Security Sites (NNSS). This tour marked a continuation in fostering dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchanging between academic institutions and a site at the forefront of national security efforts.
Representatives and students from Alabama State University, Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tuskegee University, and Fort Valley State University toured the Site, observing first-hand how career professionals have conducted and overseen national security operations. Historical highlights of the visit included Icecap, Sedan Crater, the Apple II House, and Frenchman Flat, as well as a briefing on the T-1 Training Facility.
HBCUs play a vital role in shaping the workforce and fostering diversity within companies. These institutions serve as incubators of talent, nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and professionals from diverse backgrounds. The NNSS benefits immensely from the unique perspectives, skills, and experiences that HBCU graduates bring to the table. By actively recruiting from HBCUs, the NNSS gains access to a pool of talented individuals who possess a deep commitment to community engagement, resilience in the face of adversity, and a strong sense of cultural identity.
Partnering with HBCUs and other Minority Serving Institutions enables the NNSS to contribute to social equity and economic empowerment by supporting educational opportunities for historically underrepresented groups. The importance of HBCUs to the NNSS lies not only in the talent they produce but also in the opportunity they provide for companies to cultivate inclusive work environments and drive meaningful social change.
This inaugural event was the result of the amazing efforts of HBCU Consultant Brenda Dillard; Talent Acquisition’s Mary Gasca, Nicole Castro, and Terri Shafer; and Protocol’s Gina Putnam, Jason Shannon, and Sara Folkerts.
