DISA signs first Education Partnership Agreement with Capitol Technology University

Digital Communication Branch
Office of Strategic Communication and Public Affairs
June 24, 2022 

The Defense Information Systems Agency signed its first Education Partnership Agreement with Capitol Technology University June 24 at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland.

“This agreement is the result of months of careful planning,” said Jennifer Augustine, director, Office of Strategic Outreach and Talent Acquisition, whose department is charged with establishing a talent pipeline of diverse, high-caliber candidates to serve as the next generation cyber workforce.

Dr. Brad Sims, President, Capitol Technology University, left, signs Education Partnership Agreement during signing ceremony June 24 at Fort George G. Meade. (U.S. DOD photo by Thomas L. Burton, DISA/Released)

The agreement enables DISA to connect with students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Math fields of study and with individuals willing to commit to public service, warfighter communications and national defense. It marks the beginning of what will be a mutually beneficial relationship for DISA and the university.

“Our goal is to create a partnership where we can gain from each other’s strengths. We can supplement their curriculum with skills and knowledge to make them successful contributors as the next generation of DOD employees—and in turn, they provide us with qualified applicants,” said Augustine.

DISA Digital Capabilities and Security Center Director and Acquisition Executive, Jason Martin, emphasized collaboration. “When you think about an agency that runs the largest defense network in the world, we have a lot of opportunities for talented individuals from Capitol Tech to support our mission,” said Martin.

President, Capitol Technology University, Dr. Brad Sims, left, shakes hands with DISA Digital Capabilities and Security Center Director and Acquisition Executive, Jason Martin, during Education Partnership Agreement signing ceremony June 24 at Fort George G. Meade. (U.S. DOD photo by Thomas L. Burton, DISA/Released)

During the signing ceremony, Capitol Technology University President, Dr. Brad Sims, underscored Capitol Tech’s tradition of hands-on training and technical education.

“At the undergraduate level, we have traditional students and adult students, including those from the military that want to transition careers. We are proud to guarantee bachelor students a $50,000 minimum starting salary. We are also proud to be a minority-majority university at all three levels – the bachelor, masters and doctorate,” said Dr. Sims.  

Augustine’s department is overseeing many more agreements of this kind as they continue to establish DISA’s talent pipeline.

“We’re in the middle of negotiating at least a dozen of these agreements across the nation to meet our skills and our diversity needs,” added Augustine. 

To learn more about DISA’s Education Partnership program, visit DISA.mil: Students and Recent Graduates.

Representatives from DISA and Capitol Technology University pose for a signing ceremony photo June 24 at Fort George G. Meade. (U.S. DOD photo by Thomas L. Burton, DISA/Released)