Our Mission
To provide an accessible pathway of STEM opportunities to attract, develop, and mentor the next generation of our nation’s diverse talent through U.S. Army educational outreach programs.
Our Vision
A nation of STEM-inspired changemakers, problem solvers, and innovators prepared to solve the country’s biggest challenges.
Core Objectives
1. STEM Literate Citizenry: Broaden, deepen, and diversify the pool of STEM talent in support of our Defense Industry Base (DIB)
2. STEM Savvy Educators: Support and empower educators with unique U.S. Army research and technology resources.
3. Sustainable Infrastructure: Develop and implement a cohesive, coordinated, and sustainable STEM education outreach infrastructure.
To read more about AEOP’s 2024 Strategic Plan and its goals and objectives, click here.
Overview
The United States U.S. Army has long recognized that a scientifically and technologically literate citizenry is our nation’s best hope for a secure, rewarding, and successful future.
For over 50 years, the U.S. Army has supported a wide range of educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for our youth, college and graduate students, as well as our valued teachers.
The need for STEM literacy – the ability to understand and apply concepts from science, technology, engineering and mathematics in order to solve our nation’s most complex problems – is growing exponentially. The requirement for STEM literacy goes beyond the traditional STEM occupations of scientist, engineer and mathematician. The U.S. Army also has a growing need for highly qualified, STEM-literate technicians and skilled workers in advanced manufacturing, logistics, management and other technology-driven fields. Success and sustainment for the U.S. Army’s Science & Technology Enterprise heavily depends on the continuous development of innovative solutions that protect the greatest asset – our Soldier – and our nation, against current and emerging threats.
Through AEOP, the U.S. Army continues its long tradition and strong commitment to the advancement of STEM education and literacy. Leveraging its most valuable assets – world-class scientists and engineers and research facilities – AEOP offers our nation’s youth and teachers a collaborative, cohesive portfolio of opportunities that effectively engage future workforce generations in meaningful, real-world STEM experiences, competitions and paid internships.
From elementary school through graduate school, students of all proficiency levels, interests, social and economic backgrounds are encouraged to participate in real-world STEM experiences while also engaging with U.S. Army-sponsored mentors.