The Navy STEM Program

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

Established in 2017 with support from the Office of Naval Research, the Coalition was created to address growing workforce demands in a nationally significant hub for naval operations and submarine manufacturing. Its mission is to build a sustained, inclusive education-to-career pipeline spanning K–12 through higher education, while inspiring long-term interest in STEM fields.

Over the past several years, the Coalition expanded its impact through a National Defense Education Program grant awarded through DoD STEM. Building on that success, the program entered a new phase in April 2024 with a major investment through the Advancing Naval Careers through Higher-Education Outreach and Research (ANCHOR) award. This ANCHOR award, managed by General Dynamics Electric Boat and funded by the U.S. Navy through the Maritime Industrial Base Program, strengthens and scales efforts to prepare the next generation of naval engineers, scientists, and skilled professionals.

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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