STEM Education & Outreach

RITA aims to improve the STEM pipeline for tactical autonomy

RITA aims to improve the STEM pipeline for tactical autonomy by collaborating with consortium members and other stakeholders to attract and train a diverse and skilled group of researchers for the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of the Air Force (DAF). The primary goals and activities of STEM education and workforce initiatives are:

Build the Autonomy pipeline
Create a curriculum(new specialization/degree programs) for teaching Autonomy related topics
Support equitable access via strategic execution of STEM programs
Promote widespread education and understanding of Autonomy principles

STEM Education & Outreach Information

STEM Overview

The RITA K-12 STEM Education and Outreach Program on Tactical Autonomy is a multifaceted program that includes in-school demonstrations, career panels, hands-on activities, and summer programs. The program is designed to reach a diverse group of K-12 students, including those who may not have access to similar STEM opportunities.

The in-school demonstrations provide students with the opportunity to see autonomous vehicles, drones, and robots in action and ask questions to knowledgeable experts. The career panels feature professionals from various fields related to tactical autonomy, who share their career paths and provide guidance for K-12 students interested in pursuing STEM careers.

The hands-on activities engage students in designing, building, and programming autonomous vehicles, drones, or robots, providing them with practical experience in STEM concepts. The summer programs offer high school students the chance to deepen their knowledge and skills in tactical autonomy and visit research and industry facilities.

STEM Mission

Our mission is to establish a comprehensive autonomy research and training program in collaboration with consortium members to grow, diversify, and strengthen the available pool of scientists and engineers supporting the Defense Department, while establishing a source of organic technical excellence in the field of autonomy.

Target Audience

The target audience for the K-12 STEM Education & Outreach Program on Tactical Autonomy would be K-12 students, teachers, and schools who have an interest in STEM education, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, tactical autonomy, and machine learning.

It is ideal for students who have a curiosity about how these concepts are applied in the real world and want to gain hands-on experience in these fields. It is also relevant for educators seeking to introduce these concepts to their students and for schools looking to expand their STEM curriculum.

Learn more about career and employment opportunities available through outside organizations.

Click to view AFRL Job Opportunities

Learn more about internship opportunities available through outside organizations.

1.) Battelle HBCU Consortium
2.) SULI
3.) MEISPP