DULLES, Va., Feb. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and (ISC)² Foundation will offer $90,000 in new scholarship programs and paid internships over three years to encourage women to pursue cybersecurity degrees.

"Not only is there a deep cybersecurity talent gap that threatens our national security, there is also a distinct gender gap between men and women when it comes to cyber career exposure and awareness," said David Wajsgras, president of Raytheon's Intelligence, Information and Services business. "These new programs will encourage women to pursue exciting and challenging career opportunities in cybersecurity, which will strengthen both our economy and our national-security posture."

Administered by the (ISC)² Foundation, the annual Raytheon Women's Cybersecurity Scholarship will award scholarships to two college students annually. Each scholarship will include a paid summer internship in Raytheon's Intelligence, Information and Services' Cybersecurity and Special Mission area. It will also include other (ISC)² Foundation benefits: exam voucher for the recipients' certification exam of their choice and a fully paid, first-year (ISC)² membership after passing the exam and becoming endorsed.

The (ISC)² Foundation, the charitable trust formed by (ISC)² in 2011, is a conduit for its members to empower students, teachers and the general public to secure their online life with cyber security education and awareness programs.  

"The recent (ISC)² Global Information Security Workforce Study revealed a workforce gap in the information security field of 1.5 million in the next five years. We see that as an untapped market of potential information security professionals," said Foundation Director Patrick Craven. "With this partnership, the Foundation and Raytheon can actively support women who are focusing their studies on information security and give them the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience."

The Raytheon Women's Cybersecurity Scholarship is the latest of the company's efforts aimed at developing cyber talent around the world.  For the past three years, Raytheon has pioneered its global cyber-career research with the National Cyber Security Alliance, highlighting opportunities and perspectives from millennials about undertaking careers in cybersecurity. Raytheon is also the title sponsor of the National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition, a tournament to choose the U.S. collegiate team that can best protect computer networks against real-world cyber threats.

For more information about the Raytheon Women's Cybersecurity Scholarship, including eligibility requirements, visit www.isc2cares.org/scholarships/womens-scholarship now through March 15^th.

About (ISC)² and (ISC)² Foundation
The (ISC)² Foundation (Foundation) is a non-profit charitable trust that provides internet-safety resources and tools for children, parents and whole communities. Through the Safe and Secure online education program; Information Security scholarships; and industry and consumer research, the Foundation works to ensure that people across the globe have a positive, productive and safe experience online. The Foundation is committed to making the cyber world a safer place for everyone. Further information about the Foundation is available at www.isc2Cares.org

(ISC)² is the largest not-for-profit membership body of certified cyber, information, software and infrastructure security professionals worldwide, with over 110,000 members. (ISC)² issues the CAPÒ, CCFPÒ, CCSPSM, CISSPÒ and related concentrations, CSSLPÒ, HCISPPÒ, and SSCPÒ credentials to qualifying candidates. (ISC)² offers education programs and services based on its CBK®. www.isc2.org

About Raytheon
Raytheon Company, with 2015 sales of $23 billion and 61,000 employees, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity solutions. With a history of innovation spanning 94 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration, C5I^TM products and services, sensing, effects, and mission support for customers in more than 80 countries. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. Visit us at www.raytheon.com and follow us on Twitter @Raytheon.

Media Contacts
Raytheon
Jo-Anne P. Sears
571.250.1914
iispr@raytheon.com

SOURCE Raytheon Company