The Alabama A&M University Business/Industry Cluster was

established in 1969 and has achieved since that time a tradition

of teamwork and fulfillment of the University’s noble mission

of teaching, research and extension.

The “cluster” concept grew out of a growing sentiment in the

1960s that business and industry should form mutually beneficial

ties with the minority academic community to increase both

educational opportunity and a skilled workforce.

The College Cluster Program evolved from the National

Alliance of Businesses, which was formed in 1968 under the

administration of U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson.

The AAMU Business/Industry Cluster provides assistance to

the University in its production of quality, competitive graduates.

More specifically, Cluster helps to improve the capability of

graduates to compete successfully in the business/industry

sector, while assisting AAMU in remaining competitive in the

higher education arena.

According to their resources and expertise, members of

AAMU’s Business/Industry Cluster assist in curriculum

development and enhancement, long- and short-range planning,

contract and institutional research, development, faculty-student

exchange programs, internships, co-ops, job placement of

graduates, and fundraising.

The AAMU Business/Industry Cluster is a cooperative

partnership between progressive educators and executives

designed to provide quality programs and experiences for

Alabama A&M University students. There are advantages in

this relationship for all involved. Consequently, the University

gains support for academic programs and student achievement;

(2) has access to industry expertise and resources; and (3) is

enabled to provide students with the quality of practical

experiences and first-hand knowledge of the business world

that is needed to assure successful entry into the workforce.

The student (1) has access to internships, placement and research

opportunities; and (2) is financially supported and mentored

while attaining his/her educational aspirations and preparing

for career aspirations.

The Cluster Companies (1) develop effective lines of

communication with the University; and (2) have first priority

regarding access to students, faculty and staff for the purpose

of fulfilling company training, employment and research goals

and initiatives.

The AAMU Business/Industry Cluster’s goals for the next

five years include:

(1) increasing corporate involvement in University programs

and initiatives

(2) increasing the number of opportunities for AAMU’s staff

to introduce the University, its achievements, capabilities

and offerings to corporate entities

(3) increasing the number of scholarships, internships and

cooperative education experience available to AAMU

students

(4) increasing the placement of AAMU graduates in

professional positions within business and industry

(5) providing summer internship and research opportunities

and other professional development opportunities for

AAMU faculty and staff

(6) increasing support for prominent lecture series and fine

arts activities

(7) enhancing University marketing and improving the

University’s image

(8) providing state-of-the-art classroom equipment and

lectures on contemporary methodology and issues in

various fields for and to AAMU students

(9) supporting AAMU’s capital campaign

(10) providing qualified engineers, scientists and technicians

for local, state, national and international companies

and agencies