Huntsville’s relationship with the military community and national defense sector just got stronger with the announcement of a new educational partnership.

The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC) will enter into an Educational Partnership Agreement (EPA) with The Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE) to collaborate and secure a partnership between the two institutions.

The new agreement will be finalized today at a ceremony held on the ASCTE campus at 2:30 p.m.

“This partnership with SMDC has been years in the making and will provide valuable opportunities for our students to work alongside SMDC’s highly skilled professionals and contribute to cutting-edge research and development that supports national defense and prosperity,” said Matt Massey, President of ASCTE.

The collaborative experience will deepen ASCTE students’ understanding of cybersecurity for weapon systems and provide expertise in modeling, advanced image processing, and engineering analysis. SMDC subject matter experts and staff will enhance students’ understanding of complex challenges in the cyber and engineering field(s) and allow for the exposure of future opportunities.

“The Education Partnership Agreement with the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering formalizes a vital Space and Missile Defense Command partnership with yet another academic institution focusing on cyber technology and engineering development,” said Richard De Fatta, Deputy to the Commanding General, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command. “I look forward to seeing this collaboration help foster brilliant minds we need for a successful future.”

For more information about the ASCTE, please visit www.ascte.org.