LOS ANGELES, April 28, 2009 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) received the 2009 National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) Corporate Supreme Excellence Award for its philanthropic contributions to public education. The award, presented in Washington, D.C., is given annually to a company that has made indelible contributions to public education over a sustained period of time.
Northrop Grumman focuses on promoting science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education to address the declining student interest in pursuing engineering and other technical careers. The company has partnered nationwide with organizations that provide unique, diverse and sustainable STEM programming to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and technicians.
"I am honored to accept this award on the company's behalf," said Sandra Evers-Manly, vice president of Corporate Responsibility for Northrop Grumman. "We hope that Northrop Grumman's efforts will build awareness of this national issue, and promote science, technology, engineering and math initiatives to help inspire our next generation."
The company's Defining the Future program -- an integrated community outreach initiative -- seeks to address the declining number of engineering and technical/vocational students in the United States by inspiring the next generation of Americans to study math and science. The multifaceted program is being implemented nationally but focused locally, and puts a particular emphasis on women and people of color-demographics that remain underrepresented in most science, technology, engineering and math disciplines.
The initiative also focuses on providing teachers with the necessary tools and resources to inspire students to become the next generation of scientists and engineers. Seven major program elements make up Defining the Future: curriculum development; teacher development; mentoring; support to schools; support to the community; scholarships and other sponsorships; and media-TV and Web.
Numerous programs compose the community outreach initiative. For example, the company partners with Scholastic, Inc. to create a set of classroom resources called "Mission: Define Your Future," providing insight into the real-world applications of science and technology. It has also partnered with the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum for "Diversity Days," a series of programs that aim to educate young museum visitors about science, technology and the contribution of women and minorities to aerospace. The company has also created the Weightless Flights of Discovery program, which has given almost 1,000 teachers the chance to experience a space-like environment through simulated microgravity flights so that they can share their experiences with their students.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.
CONTACT: Carissa Kwan Northrop Grumman Corporation (310) 201-3111 carissa.kwan@ngc.com