What is the Industry Cluster?
 

The Industry Cluster, a partnership program, originated from the 1968 “Plans for Progress” initiative of the Johnson Administration. The historic motivation for this initiative was to enable employers to access highly-qualified minorities with leadership skills for placement in the business, scientific and technology fields.

Florida A&M University (FAMU) Industry Cluster has one of the strongest and most loyal Cluster partnerships of all HBCU institutions. It also leads the nation in graduating students at the undergraduate level. Consequently, the FAMU Cluster partnership program for the new millennium focuses on a range of cooperative initiatives between employers and the University.

 As a strategic national institution, one of FAMU’s goals is to assist in global economic, educational and social progress by providing research, technological and economic development expertise to major employment sectors. Adding to its’ primary mission of establishing and growing a diversified workforce to meet employers’ needs. 
 
Additionally, as the only HBCU in the State of Florida Education System, FAMU continues to make progress in establishing and growing strong Cluster partnerships. These partners provide significant support, and visit the campus to develop and recruit diversified global workforces with leadership qualities. Thus, the FAMU Industry Cluster benefits the school, the industry, the region, and the students.

We recognize and acknowledge our Cluster partners for the significant support it continues to provide. The Cluster program works diligently to help our partners strengthen their competitive boundaries by providing access to pools of graduates with leadership and specialized skills. In this enhanced partnership, FAMU, industry, academia and government engage in highly beneficial exchange relationships where:

 

  • FAMU prepares students that become highly valued employees and leadership resources with the financial and vital resources provided by the Cluster partners.

  • Cluster partners gain effective lines of communication with core academic departments as a means for fulfilling their commitment to higher education, and developing structured approach to increasing recruitment and visibility on FAMU’s campus.

  • Cluster partners make significant contributions to the development of future workforce leadership by serving on advisory boards, participating in curriculum design, and accessing students and faculty for exchange programs.

  • The faculty of the university participates in realizing economic and social visions in both industry and government through summer work exchange programs, technology development and transfer, and research projects.