AEOP Leaders & Partners

AEOP collaborates with a network of organizations to bring meaningful STEM opportunities to more students. From program leadership to funding and hands-on support, each partner plays a vital role in making these experiences possible.

The Army STEM Education Consortium: Leading the Charge

A core group of organizations leads the strategy, design, and delivery of AEOP programs. Together, they shape the vision, make key decisions, and ensure high-quality experiences for students nationwide.

The Army STEM consortium is composed of the following organizations: Rochester Institute of Technology, Blake Learning Solutions, the Griffiss Institute, ICF Incorporated, the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), and Tennessee Tech University.

Meet our Consortium Leaders

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester Institute of Technology serves as the lead organization for the Army STEM Education Consortium (ASEC), guiding the vision, strategy, and execution of this coordinated, nationwide portfolio of STEM programs. One of the largest private universities in the U.S., RIT has been a recognized educational leader since 1829, know for its role in training and launching creators, entrepreneurs, innovators, and researchers.

Building on its strengths in experiential learning, applied research, and cross-sector collaboration, RIT oversees consortium operations, fosters alignment across partners, and ensures programs are innovative, scalable, and impactful. Through this leadership, RIT is helping to create a connected STEM ecosystem—one that supports learners across multiple stages and prepares the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators to contribute to national security and technological advancement.

Blake Learning Solutions

Blake Learning Solutions is a full-service training, communications, and technology firm specializing in large-scale workforce development and strategic outreach. With decades of experience supporting federal agencies—including the U.S. Army, Navy, Department of Homeland Security, and AEOP—BLS brings deep expertise in branding, digital platforms, and learning systems. As the consortium’s lead for strategic communications and marketing, BLS designs and implements an integrated outreach strategy, develops the Army STEM digital ecosystem, and ensures cohesive messaging that strengthens engagement across the full STEM pipeline.

Griffiss Institute (GI)

About Griffiss Institute

Griffiss Institute is a nonprofit organization in Rome, New York. They work to make science, technology, and engineering exciting for students and to help new ideas grow into real-world solutions.

Griffiss Institute brings together people from schools, businesses, and the government to solve problems and create new technologies. They also support programs that teach students STEM skills and help develop the next generation of scientists and engineers.

How Griffiss Institute Helps AEOP Reach Students

Griffiss Institute helps AEOP connect with organizations and programs through the Outreach Awards. They manage the process, share information, and make it easier for other groups to bring AEOP STEM programs to more students – especially those from military-connected communities at regional sites nationwide.

In short, GI helps AEOP reach more students by supporting the organizations that deliver AEOP programs.

ICF Incorporated

ICF is a nationally recognized leader in data analytics, program evaluation, and evidence-based decision-making, with extensive experience supporting federal STEM and workforce initiatives. As the consortium’s lead for data management, analysis, and reporting, ICF will design and implement a comprehensive evaluation framework to measure program impact, inform strategic improvements, and ensure accountability across the portfolio. Building on its prior work with Army STEM—including development of the program’s first data dashboard—ICF will provide the analytical foundation needed to strengthen outcomes and guide long-term success.

National Science Teaching Association (NSTA)

The National Science Teaching Association is a leading professional organization representing more than 35,000 science educators and professionals committed to advancing high-quality STEM education nationwide. Through its work in professional learning, publications, national conferences, and student competitions—including flagship Army STEM programs like eCYBERMISSION, Gains in the Education of Math and Science (GEMS), and the Department of War’s Junior Science and Humanities Symposium—NSTA brings unparalleled reach and credibility in engaging educators and students. Within the consortium, NSTA supports program delivery, educator engagement, and the development of a strong, connected national STEM community.

Tennessee Technological University (TTU)

Tennessee Technological University is a nationally recognized, STEM-focused institution known for delivering high-impact education, applied research, and workforce-ready graduates. Through initiatives like the Millard Oakley STEM Center and its Department of Curriculum and Instruction, TTU provides hands-on learning experiences and professional development for students and educators alike. As a consortium partner, TTU brings deep expertise in teacher training and experiential learning, helping to strengthen STEM pathways and prepare the next generation of scientists, engineers, and educators.

Additional Partners: Powering the Mission

AEOP’s impact is made possible through a powerful network of partners across government, academia, industry, and nonprofit organizations. Together, these collaborators help expand access to high-quality STEM programs and inspire the next generation of innovators.