The UConn–URI Navy STEM Coalition is a regional partnership between the University of Connecticut and the University of Rhode Island advancing STEM education and workforce development aligned with U.S. Navy science and technology priorities, particularly in the maritime and submarine sectors.

Building on three years of success supported by a National Defense Education Program (NDEP) grant through DoD STEM, the Coalition entered a major new phase in April 2024, when General Dynamics Electric Boat committed to a five-year investment to significantly scale its activities and address critical workforce needs in southern New England.

In 2025 our program received a great investment through the Advancing Naval Careers Through Higher-Education Outreach and Research (ANCHOR) contract, managed by General Dynamics Electric Boat and funded by the U.S. Navy through the Maritime Industrial Base Program, which enables continued investment in workforce development and STEM education.

Established in 2017 with support from the Office of Naval Research and subsequent Department of Defense investments, the UConn-URI Navy STEM Coalition responds to workforce demands in a nationally significant hub for naval operations and submarine manufacturing. Its core mission is to build a sustained, inclusive, education-to-career pipeline, spanning K–12 through higher education while igniting a passion for STEM in all its participants.

Working closely with government and industry partners, including General Dynamics Electric Boat, the Coalition connects academic institutions with real-world naval challenges and workforce pathways. Through integrated STEM outreach, teacher professional development, research opportunities, and specialized coursework, the UConn–URI Navy STEM Coalition strengthens regional capacity, supports national defense readiness, and contributes to the long-term vitality of the U.S. naval science and engineering workforce.

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