WALTHAM, Mass., May 11, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) will continue as title sponsor of the Raytheon MATHCOUNTS National Competition through 2014. The official announcement was made at the competition awards ceremony in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Saturday, May 8, 2010.

Of the 224 competitors who advanced to the 2010 Raytheon MATHCOUNTS National Competition, Mark Sellke of West Lafayette, Ind., emerged as winner and champion on Friday in the final round. As champion of this year's event, Sellke will receive a Donald G. Weinert Scholarship for $8,000 and a trip to U.S. Space Camp in Huntsville, Ala. In recognition of his achievement, Raytheon has invited Sellke and his family to return to Walt Disney World to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Raytheon's Sum of all Thrills™ experience at INNOVENTIONS at Epcot®, which showcases math in action as students design and experience their own thrill ride using math fundamentals. He will also appear on "Live with Regis and Kelly" to go head-to-head with the hosts in a nationally televised math challenge.

"We are delighted to extend our commitment as title sponsor of the MATHCOUNTS National Competition through 2014," said Raytheon Chairman and CEO William H. Swanson, who is honorary chairman of MATHCOUNTS.  "Raytheon looks forward to continuing to partner with MATHCOUNTS to inspire middle school students across the United States to develop and sustain an interest in math as they prepare to pursue exciting careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics in the years to come."

MATHCOUNTS is one of the most successful education partnerships in America, involving volunteers, educators, industry sponsors and students. Since its inception, more than 7 million students have used MATHCOUNTS materials. Students from all 50 U.S. states and the U.S. territories competed in local and regional MATHCOUNTS competitions each year.

Raytheon has partnered with MATHCOUNTS to increase middle school mathematics achievement for the past 15 years, and the company has provided significant financial contributions to help middle school students become creative problem solvers and develop the skills needed to become the math and science leaders of the future.

About MathMovesU®

Raytheon's MathMovesU® program is committed to increasing middle school students' interest in math and science education by engaging them in hands-on, interactive activities. The innovative programs of MathMovesU include Raytheon's Sum of all Thrills experience at INNOVENTIONS at Epcot®, which showcases math in action as students design and experience their own thrill ride using math fundamentals; the "In the Numbers" game, a partnership with the New England Patriots on display at The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon; the company's three-year sponsorship of the National MATHCOUNTS competition; and the MathMovesU scholarship and grant program providing more than $1 million in annual funding to students and teachers. Follow us on Twitter @raytheonmmu.

About MATHCOUNTS

MATHCOUNTS is a non-profit national math enrichment, coaching and competition program that promotes middle school mathematics achievement in every U.S. state and territory, and is one of the most successful education partnerships involving volunteers, educators, industry sponsors and students in America. MATHCOUNTS offers teachers, kids and parents free materials to aid them in math enrichment and prepare for a high-tech future that will require mathematics related skills to achieve success. Materials and information are available at the newly redesigned website www.mathcounts.org.

Raytheon Company, with 2009 sales of $25 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 88 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 a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 75,000 people worldwide.

Note to Editors:

Mark Sellke, winner of the 2010 Raytheon MATHCOUNTS National Competition, and Lou DiGioia, executive director of the MATHCOUNTS Foundation, are available for interviews via satellite or telephone on Tuesday, May 11, 2010, between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time. To schedule an interview, please call Scott Montminy at (781) 791-4553, or e-mail scott@inkhouse.net.

SOURCE Raytheon Company