Huntington Ingalls Industries announced Monday that The Apprentice School at its Newport News Shipbuilding division has been approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to operate as a post-secondary institution.
The certification gives the school the authority to grant academic degrees, further enhancing its reputation as the model apprenticeship program.
The school plans to grant associates of applied science degrees in maritime technology in 26 disciplines, including:
The news couldn't have come at a better time for Latitia McCane, Ph.D., director of education at The Apprentice Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School. She will receive a Special Recognition Award at the 2020 Women of Color STEM Conference.
Over the course of her career as a chemist and professor, Dr. McCane has worked to give all students a fighting chance through science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
Upon taking the position at The Apprentice School, Dr. McCane quickly made an impact.
She established town hall meetings so apprentices could communicate with faculty, and helped set up scholarships for the school in conjunction with local community colleges.
She also serves on the Greater Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Board, Virginia Apprenticeship Council, and Chesapeake Robotics Board.
“Dr. McCane is a serious and thoughtful leader of the very highest caliber and strongest character,” said Robert McKenna, president and CEO of the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.
Dr. McCane is the first female and the first African American to lead the Apprentice School in its 100-year history. The Apprentice School serves as a production leadership factory, with nearly 900 students in trade and advanced optional programs.
Click here to register now for the 2020 Women of Color STEM Conference.
