Lawmakers Announce $10 Million for Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo's Educational Partnership Agreement with the Air Force Research Laboratory for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Technology

Press Release

U.S. Representatives Norma J. Torres (CA-35), Grace Napolitano (CA-32) and Salud Carbajal (CA-24) today announced $10 million from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (H.R. 133) to fund an Education Partnership Agreement (EPA) between California Polytechnic State Universities (Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo) and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to develop key technologies to accelerate the AFRL's strategic capabilities in secured unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The Agreement and associated funding will help further the priorities of the United States National Defense Strategy as it relates to the Air Force's need for a new generation of unmanned and autonomous vehicles. This additional federal support will be utilized to increase the autonomy, safety, and security of unmanned aerial vehicles for widespread applications, and prepare the workforce of tomorrow to fulfill the changing needs of this growing industry.

"Cal Poly Pomona's STEM education opportunities are second to none, and the funds we're announcing today will help Inland Empire students lead their peers in 21st Century careers," Rep. Norma J. Torres said. "This agreement between the Air Force and California Polytechnic Universities enables our students to explore the intersection of technology and defense, and play a crucial role in advancing our national security interests. I'm proud to work with Reps. Napolitano and Carbajal to deliver these funds to one of our premier institutions for higher learning in our region."

"The growing partnership between the Cal Polys and the Air Force is a testament to the brilliant students and faculty at two of our nation's premier applied research institutions," Rep. Napolitano said. "This additional funding builds on past successes under the agreement while advancing our national security goals, affirming that the bright young minds of today are producing the leaders, technology, and jobs of tomorrow. I am proud to join Congresswoman Torres and Congressman Carbajal in strengthening this vital partnership between the universities and the Air Force."

"Military-educational partnerships like the one between the Air Force and Cal Poly enhance our national security capabilities and provide Cal Poly students with hands-on learning opportunities that set them up for successful STEM careers when they graduate," Rep. Carbajal said. "The Air Force is looking to develop cutting-edge technology and I have no doubt that Cal Poly's students and professors can deliver. I look forward to seeing how these funds will be used to make Americans safer and the next generation of leaders more prepared for the jobs of tomorrow."

"We know that students learn best when they are "doing,' and that the most impactful innovations happen when insights draw on many disciplines. This partnership brings these two ambitions together in what is truly a unique educational opportunity," Cal Poly Pomona President Soraya M. Coley said. "Cal Poly Pomona is immensely grateful to Reps. Torres, Napolitano and Carbajal for their concerted efforts to secure these funds and for their ongoing commitment to supporting higher education in California."

This is the second allocation of federal funding for EPA's between California Polytechnic State Universities and the Air Force Research Laboratory in under a year. In June of 2020, the lawmakers announced $5 million in funding for an Agreement to encourage and enhance the Air Force's strategic capabilities in space operations through next generation access to space and maneuverability.

Educational partnerships are formal agreements between a defense laboratory and an educational institution for the purpose of encouraging and enhancing study in scientific disciplines at all levels of education. In establishing EPA's, the Secretary of Defense gives priority to educational institutions serving women, members of minority groups, and other groups of individuals who traditionally underrepresented in engineering and science profession. The Air Force Research Laboratory has a rich history of successful Agreements in California and throughout the nation, including with Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

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