WALTHAM, Mass., April 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) is celebrating Mathematics Awareness Month by highlighting the importance of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) through activities that inspire students to create lifelong connections with those subject areas and develop interest in relevant career opportunities. Observed each April, Mathematics Awareness Month promotes public understanding of and appreciation for math.

During this month, and every month, Raytheon's MathMovesU® initiative aims to increase middle and elementary school students' interest in STEM education by engaging them in hands-on, interactive activities. Raytheon believes that in order to build the next pipeline of technologists and innovators to ensure a competitive U.S. workforce and future economic growth, students must be shown the relevance of STEM in their everyday lives and future careers.

In April, the company will be highlighting results via Raytheon's @MathMovesU Twitter handle from its recent survey about America's middle school students' perceptions of math. Among the survey findings, nearly half of students ages 10-14 said they enjoy learning math outside of the classroom and consider hands-on activities their favorite method of experiencing new subject material.

Raytheon, as highlighted below, is also showcasing its long-standing commitment to math education this month on Raytheon.com and its MathMovesU Facebook fan page by featuring its MathMovesU history, teacher scholarship programs, employee volunteerism and the company's support of national math challenges:  

• New MathMovesU Facebook Timeline: Since 2005, MathMovesU has touched the lives of more than 3 million students, teachers and parents. See how MathMovesU has provided students of all ages with unique educational experiences that inspire, enlighten and entertain through the years.
• Teacher Scholarship Programs: As part of the MathMovesU Grants and Scholarships Program, Raytheon selects 32 teachers and mentors nationwide through its MathMovesU Math Hero Awards Program for engaging students in math through interactive and creative learning initiatives. Each winner will receive a $2,500 award and a matching grant for his or her school. Nominations are open through Wednesday, May 16. Additionally, as part of the Raytheon-Engineering is Elementary® (EiE) Teacher Scholarship Program, elementary teachers and science specialists are eligible to receive a $3,000 scholarship to attend an EiE Professional Development workshop created by the Museum of Science, Boston with the support of Raytheon.
• Volunteering: Raytheon will celebrate National Volunteer Week, April 15-21, by honoring employee volunteers and partner organizations dedicated to active community engagement through a variety of local and national outreach efforts. For the entire month of April, Raytheon is especially encouraging volunteerism aimed at improving STEM education, such as the company's math mentoring program.
• Math Challenges: Raytheon-sponsored teams are competing in the FIRST® Robotics Championship April 25-28, at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. The event challenges students to design and build their own robots from standard kits of parts. Also, Raytheon will award $1,000 scholarships to 40 Raytheon-sponsored team members who plan to pursue college degrees in STEM. In addition, Raytheon will continue to host the nation's top 224 middle school math minds as the title sponsor of the Raytheon MATHCOUNTS® National Competition May 10-12 in Orlando, Fla.

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 the traveling interactive experience MathAlive!™; 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 @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 @raytheon.

Media Contacts

Raytheon Company
Kristyn Lao
781.522.5126
corporatepr@raytheon.com

InkHouse
Scott Montminy
781.966.4100
raytheonpr@inkhouse.net

 

SOURCE Raytheon Company