ACCS Signs MOU with VCSI to Strengthen Programs in Aerospace, Emerging Technologies
The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) and the Von Braun Center for Science and Innovation’s University Consortium (VCSI-UC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that fosters the advancement of programs which center on a number of emerging technologies. The ACCS is the first community college system to participate in the multi-state consortium.The MOU creates the opportunity to partner, collaborate, and manage projects that expand programs relevant to aerospace and defense communities. The memorandum mirrors agreements between VCSI-UC and four-year institutions in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. ACCS participation brings the total number of colleges in the consortium to 40.
Chris Crumbly, Executive Director of VCSI, said a core effort of the ACCS partnership will be to create a new curriculum for a system engineering technology degree that would strengthen students’ competency within aerospace, automotive manufacturing, maritime, digital transformation, and engineering technology. The degree would combine and add to some of the current community college course offerings in computer science, advanced manufacturing, and engineering technology in order to train students in systems engineering modeling.
In addition, Vizitech technology, in partnership with VCSI, maximizes training in 3D technology, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) learning programs, and is projected to increase students’ competency in their careers.
“We are very excited to welcome ACCS into the VCSI-University Consortium. Our partnership adds more opportunities to combine innovative research with the exceptional workforce development training occurring at our community colleges in Alabama,” Crumbly stated.
Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy Baker noted the opportune timing for the partnership.
“Alabama’s economic growth is a prime advantage for partnerships such as this to gain traction as a model for what an excellent workforce will look like locally, statewide and worldwide for years to come,” he stated.
Jeff Lynn, the Alabama Community College System Vice Chancellor for Workforce Development, said the consortium is bound to elevate workforce development in the state.
“This is a prime opportunity to partner with the consortium and share our work and research related to programs in advanced manufacturing,” Lynn said.
###
About VCSI
The Von Braun Center for Science & Innovation (VCSI) is a 501(c) 3 established in 2006 by the Huntsville business, university, research, and government communities. VCSI’s mission is to create and enable a collaborative environment for channeling the power of academic innovation to the space and defense challenges of today. The core team is their consortium of academic institutions that offer unique capabilities in advanced technologies, engineering prototyping, research, analyses, and work force development.
About ACCS
With 24 community colleges in more than 130 locations, including Wallace State’s main campus in Hanceville and satellite campus in Oneonta, the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) is Alabama’s gateway to first-class, affordable education and technical training to compete in a constantly evolving workforce. More than 168,000 Alabamians benefit from the various certification, credential, dual enrollment and degree programs ACCS offers alongside leading industry partners. The system includes the Alabama Technology Network, which provides extensive training and service offerings directly to business and industry. ACCS is governed by the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees.