U.S. Navy Capt. Keith Syring, deputy commander of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, and Dr. Theresa Alban, Frederick County (Md.) Public Schools superintendent, signed an Education Partnership Agreement between their two organizations at the FCPS administration building in downtown Frederick July 8.

Per this agreement, the USAMRMC and FCPS enter into a five-year education partnership in recognition of the importance of education to the future and economic well-being of the nation. This union also emphasizes the need for research institutions such as the USAMRMC to encourage and enhance the study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (or STEM) in collaboration with educational institutions throughout the United States.

The USAMRMC will work closely with FCPS to support the promotion of STEM education and the development of future STEM professionals. Both organizations will ensure the availability of staff members to work on collaborative STEM activities. The benefits of this partnership include a forum for participants to exchange ideas and information that will foster increased interest in STEM education and careers; opportunities for further collaboration on various projects that will strengthen U.S. scientific and academic competitiveness; and providing student interns and teachers with opportunities to gain educational skills and share STEM knowledge.