The objectives of education component of this Center will focus on i) enabling high quality research by minority students at both UG and graduate levels that results in peer-reviewed articles in top-quality journals; ii) developing inquiry-based training programs in an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment through co-mentoring and exchange visits that will enable cutting-edge scientific discoveries and develop critical problem solving skills; iii) enhancing materials education through collaborative curriculum development that exploits remote learning tools and open source online learning modules; iv) creating professional enrichment through annual symposium on emerging materials and workshops showcasing materials research and applications; and v) nurturing a peer-level mentoring program that builds an environment facilitating community learning.