Geospatial intelligence workforce development in a changing world – An HBCU focus

Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) plays a vital role in dealing with climate change and global water, energy, and food security. The GEOINT community needs a cadre of diverse and well-trained workforce skilled in technical aspects and societal impacts to harness the plethora of information being generated globally. Academia has to adapt and respond creatively to train and educate the next generation of GEOINT analysts and also address the negative stereotypes and academic isolation that result in African Americans avoiding STEM majors. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in particular are helping develop and nurture a pool of diverse GEOINT analysts by increasing student visibility and the quality of STEM degree programs and offering GEOINT education that acts as a bridge discipline between social and physical sciences. Direct contact with government agencies, participation in accreditation and certification activities and interactions between HBCUs are creating robust platforms on which GEOINT focused certificates, minors, and future degree programs are being developed. These offerings help students acquire knowledge and credentials that enhance their employability beyond their primary degree choice. This paper summarizes the status of the current education development efforts being implemented at HBCUs with the goal of integrating these efforts to promote GEOINT education.