The role of the Jackson State University Meteorology Program in the CSTEA HBCU Academic and Research Consortium (CHARC), as developed by the Goddard Space Flight Center and Howard University, is presented in terms of student development and training. The CHARC program includes professional development, research activities, and service by and for undergraduate majors in atmospheric science as well as summer internship opportunities. The ultimate goals of the program are to: increase the number of African-Americans earning advanced degrees in atmospheric science; increase the number of the same participating in research relevant to NASA’s mission; and to produce graduates with a strong preparation in science for use in solving future interdisciplinary research problems. The program’s delivery and success to date will be described as well as obstacles to student success