HBCU and MEI Relationships

Y-12 recognizes the importance of supporting the development of HBCUs and MEIs from a national perspective. Our goal is to continue to develop collaborative relationships between Y-12, NNSA, HBCUs and MEIs to assist NNSA in meeting mission-critical activities, related research programs, and future workforce development. Successfully achieving this goal will result in a direct and diverse pool of scientific and technical resources available to support the missions of the nation’s national security programs and provide a conduit to the President of the United States’ covenant to support higher education.

Y-12 has established itself as an entity that successfully supports and promotes relationships with HBCUs and MEIs. Y-12 is located in the hub of over 300 HBCUs, with over 55% located in adjacent states, making access to these universities easy and efficient. Over the last five years, Y-12 has managed a number of agreements with HBCUs, with five agreements still current.

Y-12 first entered into a mentor protégé agreement with South Carolina State University (SCSU) in 2003. Y-12 played a critical role in assisting SCSU in obtaining its accreditation in Nuclear Engineering, becoming the only HBCU in the United States with this designation.

These HBCU relationships have been important to Y-12 by providing both educational and technical resources and research. Y-12 has employed graduates from HBCUs and has developed a successful co-op program. As a result of this success, the SPO is currently exploring new initiatives to increase the overall support and development of HBCUs and MEIs at Y-12.

If you have questions about HBCU and MEI relationships, please contact us.