FAMU receives $400,000 from Northrop Grumman, NSBE for STEM students
Global Defense and Security Company Partners with Black Engineers and FAMU
By Kanya Stewart
TALLAHASSEE, FL. – Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) recently signed an agreement to disburse nearly $400,000 in funding from Northrop Grumman to 24 deserving students over the next three years.
Northrop Grumman Corporation, a global defense and security company with more than 60,000 employees, provided the funding based on their commitment to offering opportunities to students attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
NSBE has more than 30,000 members around the world and is one of the largest student-governed organizations based in the United States dedicated to the academic and professional success of African American engineering students and professionals.
“When we give our students a greater chance at success, it benefits not only them but the University as a whole,” said FAMU’s Interim Provost Rodner Wright, who signed the partnership agreement on behalf of the University. “We are thankful for the continued support from Northrop Grumman and NSBE.”
NSBE is accepting applications for the program until Wednesday, Nov. 30 from sophomores and juniors, who major in science, technology, engineering, math or related fields. The program will provide mentorship, scholarship, and employment opportunities with Northrop Grumman. Also, $45,000 in funding will be provided to the University to support living-learning communities for STEM students.
NSBE Executive Director Karl Reid identified the importance of recruiting talent at HBCUs, like FAMU.
“We cherish FAMU,” Reid said. “It’s really important for the future of our communities to continue to recruit here, and we believe this is the start or seed of something greater.”
Bryan Anderson, student senator and FAMU NSBE member from Deerfield Beach, Florida, attended the signing.
“The fact that NSBE leadership traveled from Washington, D.C., to meet with engineering students face to face says a lot about their commitment,” Anderson said. “FAMU, NSBE, and Northrop Grumman are working hard to make it easy for us to succeed.”
