The U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command reaffirmed its Educational Partnership Agreement with Hood College in Frederick, Md., during a signing ceremony at Alumnae Hall on the Hood College campus April 8. The EPA is a formal agreement that allows the USAMRMC and Hood to collaborate and share capabilities without the exchange of funds.

"This EPA recognizes the importance of education to the future and economic well-being of the nation, as well as the need for research institutions to encourage and enhance the study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics [also known as STEM]," said Brig. Gen. (P) Joseph Caravalho Jr., USAMRMC and Fort Detrick commanding general, who signed the agreement along with Dr. Katherine Conway-Turner, Hood College Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Per this agreement, the USAMRMC will continue to work closely with Hood College to support the promotion of STEM careers. This means that the USAMRMC may loan or transfer equipment to Hood College, make personnel available to teach STEM courses or assist in the development of STEM courses, involve faculty and students of Hood College in defense research projects, cooperate with Hood College to exchange academic credit for work on defense research projects, and provide academic and career advice to students of Hood College.

Caravalho said this union is important to the Army as "the promotion of STEM careers amongst America's youth supports the long-term defense needs of the United States by inspiring, developing and attracting the STEM talent essential to deliver innovative solutions for the Nation's current and future challenges."

"But it is also important to the community," he continued, "because the promotion of STEM careers in the community restores and sustains America's lead in the modern knowledge economy in STEM subjects and fields, thereby increasing the global competitiveness of American students and workers."

This agreement provides a formal vehicle for students at Hood College to interact with scientists working on revolutionary research, a forum for participants to exchange ideas and information that will foster an increased interest in STEM education and careers, and opportunities for further collaboration on various projects that will strengthen the United States' scientific and academic competitiveness.

"The USAMRMC has the privilege of working with Hood College, as we share the mission of generating young scientists, and those interested in science," said Caravalho.