ROME, N.Y. June 9, 2026 – Griffiss Institute will lead Strategic Outreach efforts for the newly established Army STEM Education Consortium (ASEC), a national initiative funded and guided by the U.S. Department of the Army and administered by Rochester Institute of Technology. This outreach will strengthen science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education pathways aligned with future workforce needs in national defense and emerging technologies.
The consortium was established through a cooperative agreement awarded to RIT by the U.S. Department of the Army. Through ASEC, a nationwide network of academic, nonprofit, government, and industry organizations will work collaboratively to expand STEM learning opportunities, workforce development initiatives, educator engagement, competitions, internships, and long-term career pathways from elementary education through postdoctoral study.
Griffiss Institute will lead outreach based on its experience convening educators, industry, government, and community organizations to expand access to impactful STEM opportunities. Through collaborative partnerships and mission-aligned programming, GI has demonstrated an ability to connect learners with hands-on experiences that inspire innovation, strengthen STEM engagement, and support national priorities in science and technology.
“Griffiss Institute is proud to lead Strategic Outreach within the Army STEM Education Consortium, working to expand Army STEM’s reach through the community partners who deliver mission-aligned programming,” said Tim Thomas, chief academic officer at Griffiss Institute. “Strengthening these connections means more learners access the experiences that create opportunity and drive national impact.”
ASEC was created to help advance Army STEM strategic priorities by building a stronger, more connected STEM ecosystem that prepares learners to contribute across critical technology and innovation sectors, supporting national readiness.
Griffiss Institute’s role within the consortium aligns closely with its long-standing mission to develop pathways that connect education, workforce development, innovation, and national security through experiential learning and collaborative partnerships.
“Igniting early interest in STEM learning equips the next generation to transform foundational knowledge into innovations that drive national strength and lasting impact,” said Jennifer Marshall, STEM outreach manager at Griffiss Institute.
According to RIT, the consortium will focus on creating sustained STEM engagement opportunities that allow students to continue advancing throughout their educational journeys while contributing as future mentors, educators, researchers, and innovators within a growing national network.
The consortium is led by RIT in partnership with Blake Learning Solutions, Griffiss Institute, ICF Incorporated, National Science Teaching Association, and Tennessee Technological University.
“The strength of the consortium lies in its partners,” said Donna Burnette, executive director of RIT’s K-12 University Center and ASEC chair and principal investigator, in RIT’s announcement regarding the initiative. “Together, we have assembled a remarkable group of organizations, each bringing deep expertise, unique capabilities, and a shared commitment to preparing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators who will contribute to the Army’s mission.”
The ASEC cooperative agreement is administered by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) on behalf of the assistant secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology.
Griffiss Institute:
Griffiss Institute is a 501c3 not for profit organization based in Rome, NY, accelerating national security innovation through its three-pillar mission of Talent, Technology, and Venture Development. As the steward of the Innovare Advancement Center, an open, unclassified research and collaboration campus, Griffiss Institute fosters and drives partnerships across government, industry, and academia to advance dual-use technologies. Griffiss Institute is committed to strengthening national security through nontraditional STEM education, accelerated innovation, and the commercialization of emerging technologies, with a deep belief in American-made solutions, and the development of a resilient U.S. science and engineering workforce.
Carrie Klepadlo | communications strategist
cklepadlo@griffissinstitute.org
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