Education With Industry fellows and program managers gathered 24 January to share experiences and lessons learned during their first 135 days of the 10-month educational program. The EWI Program, sponsored by SAF/AQ and managed by the Air Force Institute of Technology’s Civilian Institution Programs office, is a highly selective, competitive, career development program designed to improve the technical, professional, and management competencies of participating students by partnering with top-tier public and private sector companies. (Contributed photo)

"Independence Class" Elevates Department of the Air Force with Industry Best Practices
By Capt Michael Sanders and Capt Adrian Robinson, EWI Fellows

The Education with Industry program, sponsored by SAF/AQ and managed by the Air Force Institute of Technology’s Civilian Institution Programs office, is a highly selective, competitive, career development program designed to improve the technical, professional, and management competencies of Department of the Air Force military and civilian members. Fellows are embedded for 10 months with top tier public and private sector companies to bring back industry best practices to build, sustain, and retain a mission-ready workforce, as well as learn how to better partner with industry. 

On 24 January, EWI fellows and program managers gathered for their Mid-Tour Conference in Orlando to share experiences and lessons learned during their first 135 days of the 10-month educational program. The group of fellows, self-named the Independence Class, demonstrated their dedication to strengthening the Department of the Air Force by incorporating industry best practices. The fellows’ focus on adopting cutting-edge insights and methodologies remains a pivotal aspect of the program's mission.

Strategic Initiatives Steering Transformation
The Independence Class presented a series of initiatives strategically crafted to enhance the Department of the Air Force:

• Agile Operations: Drawing inspiration from tech industry practices, the fellows emphasized adaptability and efficiency to address the dynamic challenges faced by the Department of the Air Force.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Leveraging industry expertise in data analytics and AI, the fellows outlined frameworks to optimize decision-making processes and enhance strategic outcomes.
• Innovation Ecosystems: Advocating for the creation of environments fostering innovation and collaboration, the fellows aimed to facilitate the rapid implementation of cutting-edge technologies.
• Continuous Learning Culture: Initiatives aimed at instilling a culture of continuous learning, aligning Department of the Air Force personnel with industry standards to ensure they possess the latest knowledge and skills.

Practical Implementation and Collaboration
Q&A sessions prompted discussions on the practicalities of implementation and potential challenges. The collaborative exchange between the Independence Class, Department of the Air Force personnel, and senior leaders underscored the collective commitment to translating these initiatives into actionable improvements.

EWI Industry Partnerships
Loews Hotels, an EWI industry partner, hosted the conference at their Aventura Hotel in Orlando which proved to be an ideal backdrop; offering state-of-the-art facilities and an environment conducive to collaborative exchanges.

In between presentations, EWI fellows discussed ideas sparked by their presentations. Downtime was strategically planned throughout the event so that fellows could collaborate across companies and career fields. (Contributed photo)
 

Another EWI industry partner, United Launch Alliance, hosted a tour offering an insightful glimpse into their pioneering work in science and engineering. The tour not only showcased their cutting-edge technological advancements but also provided Independence Class fellows with a firsthand experience of innovation in action.

ULA hosted fellows for a visit to their launch facilities at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, where the final Delta IV Heavy is preparing for launch in March. (Contrubuted photo)
 

These partnerships play a crucial role in the success of the Education with Industry program. Loews Hotels and United Launch Alliance exemplify the collaborative spirit needed to bridge the gap between industry and the Department of the Air Force. The immersive experiences provided by these companies contribute significantly to the program's mission of bringing industry best practices back to the Department of the Air Force and advances industry collaborations. These partnerships serve as beacons, guiding the Independence Class fellows toward a future where industry insights are seamlessly integrated into the fabric of military excellence.