WALTHAM, Mass., April 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- A new $5 million multi-year commitment from Raytheon (NYSE: RTN) to Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) will provide enhanced technology centers and support for after-school science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programming to children of military families.

Working in partnership, Raytheon and Boys & Girls Clubs of America will establish 'Centers of Innovation' at BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations. The Centers will provide an inspiring backdrop for programming that focuses on creative approaches to STEM. The effort is part of Raytheon's $10 million commitment to military veterans, personnel and family.

"The men and women who serve their country have sacrificed much for our safety and freedom," Raytheon Chairman and CEO Thomas A. Kennedy said. "It is our responsibility to show them our trust and respect by supporting them and their families in achieving great futures."

Club youth at each Center of Innovation will work with Club staff and Raytheon employee mentors to develop their skills and critical thinking using real-world applications for STEM.

"Our STEM programs aim to complement the foundations of science and math kids learn in school. This partnership with Raytheon will further innovate Clubs with the tools and facilities that ignite kids' passion for STEM," said Jim Clark, president and CEO of BGCA. "For more than 20 years, Boys & Girls Clubs have offered a safe, secure place for military youth to help address the unique circumstances that they have to navigate during their formative years. With Raytheon's support, we'll be able to impact more of our military heroes' kids to help them achieve great futures in areas of science, math or wherever their interests take them."

BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on military installations aim to bring consistency and continuity to the lives of military children. On average, military families move six to nine times before their children graduate high school – about three times more often than civilian families. The Club atmosphere provides continuity for military kids, whether living on or off a military base. Through creative projects and evidence-based programming, students enhance their understanding of STEM, strengthening skills in preparation for college, military and civilian careers.

"Boys & Girls Clubs provide a necessary support structure to military families," Kennedy said. "The Centers of Innovation will help military children develop the STEM skills and innovative spirit that the next generation of leaders will rely on to ensure the prosperity of our economy and the security of our nation."

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,100 Clubs serve nearly 4 million young people annually through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun, friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at http://www.bgca.org/facebook and http://bgca.org/twitter.

About Raytheon
Raytheon Company, with 2014 sales of $23 billion and 61,000 employees worldwide, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, security and civil markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 93 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as cyber security and a broad range of mission support services. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. For more about Raytheon, visit us at www.raytheon.com and follow us on Twitter @raytheon.

Media Contact
Raytheon Company
Allison Jeannotte
+1.781.522.5145
corporatepr@raytheon.com

Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Sara Leutzinger
404.487.5624
sleutzinger@bgca.org

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150403/196547

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/raytheon-partners-with-boys--girls-clubs-of-america-to-benefit-children-of-military-families-300060985.html

SOURCE Raytheon Company