Mississippi State University and Keesler Air Force Base Establish Educational Partnership

Introduction

Mississippi State University (MSU) has formalized an Educational Partnership Agreement with Keesler Air Force Base to introduce a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree in Weather and Environment. This initiative, led by MSU’s Department of Geosciences, aims to provide members of Keesler Air Force Base with an accelerated pathway to complete a four-year degree.

Program Overview and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

The BAS degree program, approved by the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning in May, allows airmen to transfer their technical training in weather-related fields directly into college credits. This approach accelerates degree completion and integrates the military’s rigorous meteorological instruction with applied science coursework and practical environmental applications.

• SDG 4: Quality Education – The program enhances inclusive and equitable quality education by providing accessible higher education opportunities tailored to service members.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – By focusing on meteorology and environmental sciences, the program equips graduates with skills essential for understanding and addressing climate change.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The partnership fosters innovation through the integration of advanced military training and academic resources.

Institutional Collaboration and Impact

Located in Biloxi, Mississippi, Keesler Air Force Base hosts the 81st Training Wing and is a nationally recognized center for technical training in meteorology, communications, and electronics. The base’s expertise in weather forecasting and environmental monitoring directly supports the objectives of the BAS degree program.

1. Enhanced Educational Access: The partnership provides airmen with streamlined academic pathways, supporting lifelong learning and career advancement.
2. Professional Development: The collaboration promotes continuous professional growth aligned with both military and civilian career trajectories.
3. Innovation and Research: Joint efforts encourage applied research and innovation in environmental sciences.

MSU’s Commitment to Military Friendly Education

MSU has been repeatedly recognized as a leading Military Friendly university, earning a Top 5 Military Friendly School designation in the current year. This recognition underscores MSU’s dedication to supporting service members through tailored educational programs and resources.

Contact Information and Additional Resources

• For inquiries about the Bachelor of Applied Science program, contact John Rodgers, Department Head of Geosciences, at 662-325-1393 or via email at jcr100@msstate.edu.
• Learn more about MSU’s College of Arts and Sciences at www.cas.msstate.edu.
• Visit the Department of Geosciences website at www.geosciences.msstate.edu for further details.

Conclusion

This partnership between Mississippi State University and Keesler Air Force Base exemplifies a strategic commitment to Sustainable Development Goals by promoting quality education, climate action, and innovation. It represents a significant step toward empowering military personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary for impactful careers in environmental and meteorological sciences.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article discusses the creation of a Bachelor of Applied Science degree program tailored for military personnel, enhancing access to higher education and professional development.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The partnership fosters innovation and professional development through applied science and technical training integration.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The collaboration between Mississippi State University and Keesler Air Force Base exemplifies a multi-sector partnership to achieve educational and professional development goals.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
   • Target 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors, including through university-industry collaboration.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 4 Targets:
   • Indicator 4.3.1: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months, by sex.
   • Indicator 4.4.1: Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills, by type of skill.
   • Implied measurement of the number of military personnel enrolling and completing the BAS degree program.
2. For SDG 9 Target:
   • Indicator 9.5.1: Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP.
   • Implied measurement of technological capability enhancement through the integration of military technical training with academic coursework.
3. For SDG 17 Target:
   • Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private and civil society partnerships.
   • Implied measurement of the effectiveness and number of educational partnerships formed between academic institutions and military bases.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wxxv25.com