WALTHAM, Mass., Sept. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) today announced its latest initiative centered upon supporting our nation's efforts to improve science, technology, engineering and  mathematics (STEM) education through its membership in Change the Equation (CTEq). Raytheon joins CTEq founding members Time Warner Cable, Sally Ride Science, Kodak, Intel and Xerox.

The CTEq initiative – which launches Thursday at an event hosted by President Barack Obama at the White House – supports the president's Educate to Innovate campaign designed to increase private and philanthropic involvement in STEM education. CTEq is the first and only national CEO network devoted entirely to cultivating widespread literacy in STEM, with a focus on a larger and more racially, ethnically and gender-diverse pool of students.

"Our success as a nation depends on strengthening America's role as the world's engine of discovery and innovation," said President Obama. "I applaud Raytheon for lending their resources, expertise, and their enthusiasm to the task of strengthening America's leadership in the 21st century by improving education in science, technology, engineering and math."  

"Raytheon is proud to partner with Change the Equation, and we look forward to working closely with the organization in furthering its important goals," said Raytheon Chairman and CEO William H. Swanson. "Our company is strongly committed to developing and supporting innovative initiatives that inspire students to develop and sustain an interest in math and science. In this way, new generations of students will be prepared to lead our nation forward in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, in the exciting years to come."

"'I can't do math' has become an iconic excuse in our society," said Linda Rosen, chief executive officer of CTEq. "Many Americans have expressed it, but I don't believe it's an accurate reflection of who we are, or, more importantly, what we can do. If we don't encourage our children and students to get excited about math as well as science, technology and engineering, we are denying them the chance to reach their potential and be prepared for a future filled with opportunity."

CTEq is a non-profit organization whose 100 member companies from across industry sectors are dedicated to promoting innovation and investment in STEM teaching and learning. CTEq aims to give STEM education a central place in the national lexicon of excellence and achievement, establishing a national movement to support, promote and implement excellent STEM education for every child. CTEq's goals are to:

• Improve STEM teaching at all grade levels, with a larger and more racially, ethnically and gender-diverse pool of highly-capable STEM teachers.
• Deepen student appreciation and excitement for STEM programs and careers to increase enrollment and success, especially among females and students of color.
• Achieve a sustained commitment to the STEM movement from business leaders, government officials, STEM teachers and other stakeholders through communication, collaboration and data-based decision making.

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.

SOURCE Raytheon Company