WALTHAM, Mass., May 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon (NYSE: RTN) today announced a new $5 million, multiyear commitment to Student Veterans of America (SVA) to help military veterans succeed in higher education and beyond.

The expanded partnership — providing resources, support, and advocacy — is part of Raytheon's $10 million commitment to military veterans, personnel and families. With a new generation of veterans transitioning back to civilian lives, the investment will empower student veterans to reach their higher education and career goals, particularly in high-demand fields like science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Raytheon's latest infusion reinforces the commitment it has demonstrated toward the expansion of SVA's national infrastructure, helping chapters grow and flourish. On campuses and in local communities, SVA helps to develop science, technology, engineering and mathematics education and mentorship programs, and supports student veterans in the transition from campus to career.

"The commitment, discipline, focus and overall leadership developed by our veterans in service to our country provide a strong foundation for academic and professional success in civilian life," said Thomas A. Kennedy, Raytheon Chairman and CEO. "It is our hope that through our expanded partnership with SVA, we will be able to help a new generation of veterans connect their service to rewarding careers."

SVA's nearly 1,300 chapters, run by and for student veterans in all 50 states and four countries, is the world's largest network of student veteran groups. Raytheon's investment and partnership will help SVA's efforts to double the number of chapters nationally.

"America's employers, such as Raytheon, have long understood the value a military veteran brings to the workforce. When combined with the civilian credential of a degree or certificate, military veterans are an unstoppable force that can drive the U.S. economy," said D. Wayne Robinson, President and CEO of SVA. "We are thrilled to have Raytheon as a thought partner, helping to cultivate this country's top talent: educated military veterans."

The partnership is aimed at creating tools for chapter sustainability as well as promoting growth, while investing directly in programs that support student veterans on campus. It will also allow SVA to continue its support of student veterans as they graduate, become alumni members, and transition to in-demand, high-growth careers.

Raytheon and SVA first joined forces in November 2012, and have previously partnered on a number of scholarship programs. Among those are the Raytheon-SVA Scholarship, presented to student veterans who have demonstrated leadership in their local communities and are pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in engineering fields; and the Raytheon Patriot Scholarship, awarded to U.S. Army student veterans pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited university.

About Student Veterans of America

With nearly 1,300 chapters representing over 460,000 veterans in higher education, the mission of SVA is to provide our nation's military veterans with the resources, support, and advocacy needed to succeed in post-service life through higher education and professional development. As the guardians and stewards of the GI Bill, SVA has a focus on developing impactful programming, harvesting actionable research, providing support and resources to operate successful peer-based student veteran chapters. The team forges enduring partnerships with government, private industry, institutions of higher education, philanthropic organizations, individuals and stakeholders committed to ensuring that every generation of veterans has the opportunity to earn a college degree and continue to contribute to their communities and the nation. SVA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, headquartered in Washington, D.C. For more information, please visit http://www.studentveterans.org and follow us on Twitter @studentvets

About Raytheon

Raytheon Company, with 2014 sales of $23 billion and 61,000 employees worldwide, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity 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

Allison Jeannotte
+1.781.522.5145
corporatepr@raytheon.com

 

SOURCE Raytheon Company