WALTHAM, Mass., Feb. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) will celebrate National Engineers Week (Feb. 19-25) by connecting students with world-class technical talent in interactive experiences to bring the wonders of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines to life.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120217/NE55538 )

Hundreds of Raytheon employee volunteers will facilitate more than 45 events across the country to engage students in hands-on math and science activities, live events, and ongoing peer mentoring and tutoring programs during National Engineers Week. Raytheon aims to spark new interest in various engineering fields and related career paths by helping students experience engineering concepts first-hand.

"National Engineers Week is a great opportunity to put the spotlight on engineering achievements and the contributions of engineers throughout the year," said Raytheon Chairman and CEO William H. Swanson. "I am extremely proud of Raytheon's talented engineers for their innovative solutions and their passion for the profession. They enjoy making a difference, both for our customers and in mentoring and volunteering to inspire future engineers."

Highlights of the company's state-by-state and regional plans for National Engineers Week include:

• Arizona (Feb. 18): Raytheon hosts "Scout Day" for 250 Tucson-area Boy Scouts and Scout leaders.
• California (Feb. 20): Former NASA astronaut Danny Olivas speaks to more than 250 middle school students, among several math-related activities, including a mock MATHCOUNTS® competition.
• Colorado (Feb. 23): Students in afterschool MathMovesU® program compete in egg-drop competition.
• Florida (Feb. 20-24): Interactive demonstrations using fundamental engineering and mathematical principles – being held at the Sum of all Thrills™ experience at INNOVENTIONS at Epcot® at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Lake Buena Vista.
• Indiana (Feb. 20-23): From middle school students to college freshmen, nearly 200 students are being hosted by Raytheon for tailored engineering activities and speakers.
• Maryland (Feb. 23): Fifty local middle school students visit Raytheon for fun-filled activities as part of "Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day."
• Nebraska (Feb. 18): Raytheon sponsors the third annual Nebraska Robotics Expo, featuring the Nebraska FIRST® LEGO® League Championship Tournament.
• New England (ongoing): Raytheon and the New England Patriots continue the "Science of Sports" mentoring program partnership with 17 Boys and Girls Clubs of America®.
• Texas (Feb. 22): Students from North Texas gather for a "breadboard kits challenge" hosted by Raytheon.
• Washington, D.C. (Feb. 18): Raytheon sponsors "Discover Engineering Family Day" at the National Building Museum. Open to the public.

For a complete calendar listing of Raytheon-supported events throughout the week and in various states, visit Raytheon's website.

The company's community outreach during National Engineers Week -- and throughout the year -- is part of Raytheon's MathMovesU® program.

About MathMovesU®

Raytheon's MathMovesU program is an initiative committed to increasing middle and elementary 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 ongoing sponsorship of the MATHCOUNTS® National Competition; and the MathMovesU scholarship and grant program providing more than $1 million in annual funding to students and teachers. Follow MathMovesU and other Raytheon community outreach programs on Facebook and on Twitter at @MathMovesU.

About Raytheon

Raytheon Company, with 2011 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 90 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 71,000 people worldwide. For more about Raytheon, visit us at www.raytheon.com and follow us on Twitter at @raytheon.

Media Contacts
Kristyn Lao
+1.781.522.5126

Jennifer Chan
+1.781.522.5112
corporatepr@raytheon.com

SOURCE Raytheon Company