College of Engineering News |
| Approximately 50 engineering students visited the NSWC in Corona. |
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Approximately 50 engineering students visited the NSWC in Corona. |
The Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) in Corona hosted 50 minority freshman engineering students enrolled at California Polytechnic University, Pomona, July 31 for the Maximizing Engineering Potential (MEP) Program, the largest program of its type in California.
"We're pleased to showcase Corona's world-class laboratories and assessment centers to these up-and-coming engineers so they can see the engaging careers that await them after getting their engineering degrees," said NSWC Corona Commanding Officer Capt. Jay Kadowaki, the first Asian/Pacific Islander to lead the command. "We are proud to partner with one of the largest producers of engineering graduates in the country, and this outreach lays the groundwork for new talent and new ideas so our Navy remains number one in the world."
NSWC Corona, a Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) field activity, and Cal Poly Pomona signed an education partnership agreement in October 2007, that allows the organizations to leverage scientific and technical expertise and state-of-the-art facilities. The partnership is part of NSWC Corona's diversity outreach strategy to build relationships with diverse organizations to ensure the strength and success of its workforce.
"We got to see opportunities to serve our country in an engineering manner," said incoming freshman Christian Gray. "It's a very good way to get us interested in seeing what we can do to challenge ourselves in the future."
As part of the agreement, NSWC Corona partners with Cal Poly Pomona to support the QUEST (Quality Unites Engineering and Science Teams) summer program, which is one of the tools Cal Poly Pomona uses in the MEP Program.
"We continue to have a great educational partnership with NSWC Corona and greatly appreciate their support of our MEP Program," said Ed Hohmann, Ph.D, the dean of Cal Poly Pomona's College of Engineering. "This year NAVSEA opened their labs to 50 of our QUEST freshmen - the largest group to date!"
Kadowaki says outreach to under-represented minorities is vital for the Navy's future, especially as the Navy adapts to demographic shifts of tomorrow's talent.
"Simply put, diversity makes our Navy stronger," said Kadowaki. "And the different experiences, backgrounds and talents of potential civilian employees captured in programs like this help the nearly 640,000 Sailors [active duty and Reserve] and civilians merge into an unbeatable team. It fosters the development of new ideas to ensure the Navy advances with the nation's demographic changes and technological challenges."
NSWC Corona serves as the Navy's only independent assessment agent and is responsible for gauging the warfighting capability of ships and aircraft, analyzing missile defense systems, and assessing the adequacy of Navy personnel training. The base is home to three premiere national laboratories and assessment centers, the Joint Warfare Assessment Lab, the Measurement Science and Technology Lab, and the Daugherty Memorial Assessment Center.
August 2009
By Troy Clarke, NSWC Corona Public Affairs
