Defense Civilian Training Corps (DCTC) Integrated Curriculum and Development Pilot-0 Implementation

Abstract

The FY 2023 DoD Consolidated Appropriations Act, enacted on December 29, 2022, provides funding for DCTC pilot program implementation with the purpose to prepare college students for “Department of Defense careers relating to acquisition, digital technologies, critical technologies, science, engineering, finance, and other civilian occupations determined by the Secretary of Defense,” under the auspices of OUSD(A&S). The DoD commissioned the Acquisition Innovation Research Center (AIRC) to (a) convene a DCTC Execution Planning Panel to provide recommendations for program implementation, and (b) to develop and execute a pilot DCTC program. Pilot-0 has been implemented as a 2-year program at four land grant universities namely, North Carolina A&T State University, Purdue, University of Arizona, and Virginia Tech in the fall semester 2023, attracting a cohort of 89 rising junior scholars enrolled in 45 different majors. The DCTC Integrated Curriculum and Development (ICAD) philosophy is founded on the principle of seamlessly integrated multidimensional learning experiences and includes the following five elements: (1) a core curriculum; (2) project-based cohort summer internships; (3) action (immersive) learning experiences; (4) innovation capstone projects; and (5) a culture of care. This paper presents our experiences in designing and implementing the five ICAD elements within the DCTC Pilot-0 program execution. This includes the unique integration of the five ICAD elements, the challenges and initial lessons learned, program assessment metrics and process, and the results of the first round of assessment of the scholar learning outcomes. This integrated education and development approach is consistent with aligning, engaging, and preparing students for a robust career in public service earlier in their academic journey.