Office of Naval Research Expands STEM Pipeline with New Internship and Outreach Contract

## Office of Naval Research Strengthens STEM Talent Pipeline E Street Technologies LLC (ESTech), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Universities Space Research Association (USRA), has been selected to support the Office of Naval Research (ONR) through a contract covering STEM internships, outreach initiatives, and website support services, according to a PR Newswire announcement dated 5 August 2026. The work will be delivered through a joint venture with Huna Research Associates, with ESTech providing technical and programmatic expertise to advance the ONR's long-standing commitment to developing the next generation of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics talent relevant to naval and maritime research. ### Supporting Naval Research Capacity The Office of Naval Research plays a central role in funding and managing basic and applied research for the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Its STEM outreach programmes are designed to cultivate a skilled workforce pipeline capable of addressing complex challenges in naval architecture, marine engineering, undersea systems, and related disciplines. By engaging students and early-career professionals through structured internships and community outreach, ONR aims to ensure a steady flow of qualified candidates into defence-related maritime and naval research roles — an area of increasing strategic importance as competition for technical talent intensifies across both the public and private sectors. ESTech's parent organisation, USRA, brings a strong track record in managing research and technical support contracts for US government agencies, lending institutional credibility to the new engagement. ### Industry Significance For the broader maritime and naval defence community, investments in STEM education and workforce development are increasingly viewed as critical enablers of long-term capability. Programmes supported through ONR contracts help bridge the gap between academic research and operational naval requirements, ensuring that emerging technologies — from autonomous underwater vehicles to advanced propulsion systems — have the human capital needed to progress from concept to deployment. Full contract terms and programme scope were not disclosed in the announcement.