ERDC announces partnerships with VCS and PCA

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) has recently entered into educational partnership agreements with Vicksburg Catholic School (VCS) and Porter’s Chapel Academy (PCA). These agreements promote collaboration and the exchange of ideas between ERDC and the schools.

During a visit to ERDC by representatives from VCS and PCA on Feb. 17, ERDC Director Dr. David Pittman expressed his appreciation for the schools and their work. He also emphasized the nationwide need for more scientists and engineers and encouraged school leadership to continue offering STEM opportunities to their students.

“We really need the schools to keep doing what they’re doing,” ERDC Director Dr. David Pittman said to the VCS and PCA representatives. “ERDC is in a great community with great schools and great people — thank you all for doing incredible work.”

The partnerships aim to encourage and enhance training in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, by relating academic skills to realistic applications for both students and staff. The agreement also allows ERDC personnel to be more involved with the schools, providing career and academic advice, involving faculty and students in research projects, transferring surplus equipment, and spending time in the classroom.

VCS principal Dr. Virgil “Buddy” Strickland expressed gratitude for the opportunity to partner with ERDC and its impact on their students. PCA principal Christopher Williams also expressed appreciation for ERDC’s investment in both schools, highlighting the importance of being one community.

“I think it’s great that both schools are here together because, after all, we are one community,” said Christopher Williams, principal of PCA. “I thank ERDC so much for being willing and wanting to invest in both of these schools.”

ERDC has signed 70 agreements with colleges and universities and eight agreements with K-12 institutions, including an agreement with the Vicksburg-Warren School District in 2015.