ROCK ISLAND, Ill. - Interns with the Minority College Relations Program at Joint Munitions Command and Army Contracting Command presented the outcomes of their assignments to JMC and ACC leadership July 20.

The interns worked on real-world projects guided by employee mentors. Projects were determined based on agency need to provide value-added for the Army as well as the students.

MRCP participants like Elizabeth Ferguson stated the importance of the program for her cohort as well as future aspiring federal employees.

“Please continue to keep this program going;

Brig. Gen. Gardner, commander of Joint Munitions Command, Mrs. Fisher, Deputy to the Commander, and CSM Morrison, listen to an intern discuss project findings during the Minority College Relations Program brief to JMC and Army Contracting Command senior leaders July 20 (U.S. Army photo by Shawn Eldridge).
Brig. Gen. Gardner, commander of Joint Munitions Command, Mrs. Fisher, Deputy to the Commander, and CSM Morrison, listen to an intern discuss project findings during the Minority College Relations Program brief to JMC and Army Contracting Command senior leaders July 20 (U.S. Army photo by Shawn Eldridge). (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

you are investing in future leaders,” Ferguson said to the senior leaders during her brief. “This has been the best summer of my life so far. Please keep impacting future generations.”

18 students from 11 historically Black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions took part in the 10-week program that provides work experience and introduces them to a real-time work environment as well as opportunities for career possibilities within the federal government.

“The MCRP’s mission is ‘To enhance the Army’s future readiness by drawing minorities into its civilian workforce’”, said Candace Davis, a materiel master cell team member at JMC and MCRP alum who helps run the program. “While no positions are guaranteed upon completion of the program, many participants, including myself, have received post-graduation job offers over the years.”

JMC headquarters hosted 10 interns while two worked at ACC. JMC subordinate commands Crane Army Ammunition Activity in Crane, Indiana; McAlester Army Ammunition Plant in McAlester, Oklahoma; and Tooele Army Depot in Tooele, Utah sponsored two each.

“Some say this internship was an opportunity and others say it’s a challenge,” Brig. Gen. Gavin Gardner, JMC commander, said to the students assembled both remotely and in person during the brief. “I appreciate all of you seeing it as an opportunity.”

The interns hailed from educational institutions across the U.S., including Northeastern Illinois University, the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Bethune Cookman University, Norfolk State University, the University of the Virgin Islands, the University of Central Florida, Fort Valley State University, Alabama A&M University, Jackson State University and the University of Illinois at Chicago.