NNSA's minority serving institution program looks to strengthen skilled workforce

January 10, 2023, 12:01PMANS Nuclear Cafe

The Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration’s Minority Serving Institution Partnership Program (MSIPP) has issued a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) titled "Community and Junior College Trade Occupation Program." The FOA encourages grant applications from tribal and minority serving community and junior colleges that diversify student and faculty populations, enhance training programs in trade and skilled labors, and increase the capacity of the NNSA's nuclear security enterprise workforce.

Eligible tribal and minority serving community and junior colleges have until February 17, 2023, 11:50 p.m. EST to respond to the FOA with proposals.

“MSIPP’s expansion to the trades and skilled labor disciplines in junior and community colleges means more students can gain experiences within the nuclear security enterprise, greatly enhancing both their career outlook and our ability to deliver,” said Jill Hruby, under secretary for nuclear security and administrator of the NNSA. “Our partnerships with minority serving institutions continue to grow, resulting in a diverse and trained workforce vital to the success and security of our national laboratories, plants, and sites.”

The NNSA works with educational institutions and industry partners from across the nuclear security enterprise to achieve mission priorities through three major pathways: collaborative research; capacity building/workforce development; and recruitment, retention, and development of talented students. MSIPP has recognized a need to fill trade employment opportunities in the enterprise while promoting diversity in the nuclear workforce.

The FOA focuses on meeting the immediate and ongoing needs of traditional and emerging technician positions at the enterprise; improving the ability to recruit students from minority and underrepresented populations; and improving the nation’s capacity to secure its nuclear stockpile.


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