ONR Cultivates Next Generation of Talent at Hispanic Engineering Conference

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From Office of Naval Research Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, Va. (NNS) -- Students will gain new insights about science and technology opportunities with the Department of the Navy at the Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Corporation's (HENAAC) 2011 Career Conference, Oct. 6-8, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) will exhibit with displays and information to support the Navy's push to stimulate interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and careers.

"HENAAC affords ONR the chance to make meaningful connections with the Hispanic community. We want to establish long-term relationships that produce the unique technical talent the Navy will need in the future," said Dr. Anthony Junior, ONR's education programs manager.

The ONR booth also will highlight professional research opportunities at Navy laboratories for university faculty members who may be considering interim pursuits during summer breaks and sabbaticals.

"We are contributing to the STEM literacy of the nation with the expectation that some of these students will come to work for the Department of the Navy, whether on active-duty or as a civilian," said Junior.

The 23rd annual HENAAC event is expected to bring 5,000 visitors to this year's venue located at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. It will feature exhibits, seminars and activities, including a career fair, technical poster competition and the HENAAC College Bowl, a competition where students apply their technical knowledge and skills to compete for scholarship prizes.

The conference is hosted by Great Minds in STEM, the Los Angeles-based organization formally known as HENAAC-the Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Corporation. Established in 1989, the nonprofit organization is promoting STEM careers in underserved communities to help bolster the nation's technological strength.

ONR provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps' technological advantage. Through its affiliates, ONR is a leader in science and technology with engagement in 50 states, 70 countries, 1,035 institutions of higher learning and 914 industry partners. ONR employs approximately 1,400 people, comprising uniformed, civilian and contract personnel, with additional employees at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C.