By Brittany Bailer
Howard University is one of the newest members of the Intelligence Community Centers for Academic Excellence (IC CAE) program at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), an initiative to prepare and hire the next generation of diverse and qualified intelligence professionals.
The University of Kansas, the University of New Hampshire, and Saint Louis University join a network of more than 80 colleges and universities in the IC CAE program as lead universities, each bringing a consortium of schools to the program that will also enjoy the benefits of IC CAE membership, to include funding. Howard joins the program under the University of New Hampshire consortium. Moses Garuba, PhD, associate dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture and professor of computer science, is the lead investigator of the effort at Howard University.
“ODNI is excited to build enduring partnerships with the newest members of the IC CAE program and their diverse and talented students,” said Zev Goldrich, acting assistant director of national intelligence for Human Capital. “The students will engage with IC professionals dedicated to guiding them as they develop the skills needed for national security careers.”
The IC CAE program develops future intelligence professionals by providing grants to help schools offer intelligence-related curricula, workshops, simulations, conferences, and seminars, as well as access to a community of IC professionals dedicated to enhancing students’ knowledge of the IC. It emphasizes increasing the diversity of the IC workforce by engaging with diverse student populations across the country.
“The IC is committed to attracting a workforce that reflects the Nation we serve,” said Chief of IC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Stephanie la Rue. “The IC CAE program is one of many efforts across the community that will help us get there.”
Schools in the IC CAE program receive five years of funding for program development, along with an option for four additional years of sustainment funding to ensure long-term program viability.
