The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is joining forces with Grambling State University in an effort to strengthen environmental studies and improve career opportunities.  

The partnership was formalized in a memorandum of understanding (MOU).  

Larry Starfield, acting assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance said the collaboration with the historically black university in Louisiana will prepare students to enter and compete in the federal workforce.

“Through this collaborative agreement between EPA and Grambling State University, we hope to enrich the educational experience of GSU students, and spur interest in careers in the federal government,” Starfield said in a news release. “The MOU shows our mutual commitment to the education and development of our country’s future leaders.”

The alliance is expected to facilitate program activities to support the university’s objective to give students more career opportunities, as well as to diversify EPA’s workforce.

Grambling says it will enhance its curriculum with the agency’s guidance and expertise.

“We are thankful to the Environmental Protection Agency for their initiative in providing valuable opportunities to Grambling State University students,” said Richard Gallot Sr., Grambling's president. “Partnerships like these make it possible for our scholars to gain meaningful experience to position themselves competitively in this vital industry.”

The university was founded in 1901.