WALTHAM, Mass., Aug. 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon
(NYSE: RTN) is establishing its first six 'Centers of Innovation'
at Boys & Girls Clubs affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military
installations and at Clubs that support military families. The
centers are being funded through the company's $5 million,
multi-year commitment to Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA),
part of Raytheon's recent $10 million pledge to support
military veterans and their families.
The first six centers will open in the fall of 2015 at five
locations in the United States and
one abroad:
- Boys & Girls Clubs of South County, Chula Vista, Calif., serving the families of
Naval Outlying Landing Field Imperial Beach
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Central
Texas, Killeen, Tex.,
serving the families of Fort
Hood
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Huntsville,
Ala., serving the families of Redstone Arsenal
- Harford County Boys & Girls Clubs, Aberdeen, Md., serving the families of the
Aberdeen Proving Ground
- Andrews Air Force Base Youth
Center, Md.
- Ramstein Air Base Youth Programs, Germany
The centers will be fully outfitted with modern technology, and
will offer full-time expert mentors to lead Club members in
projects that apply the principles of science, technology,
engineering and math. Club members will use technology such as 3D
printers, high-definition video conferencing and other tools to
brainstorm ideas and collaborate on community improvement
projects.
"The men and women who serve this country have sacrificed much
for our safety and freedom, and it is our responsibility to help
their families achieve great futures," said Tom Kennedy, Raytheon Chairman and CEO. "Today's
military child should be supported as they pursue a college degree,
embark on a robust career or choose to serve to their country. The
'Centers of Innovation' are designed to foster critical thinking
and problem solving skills that will serve military children in all
their pursuits while exposing them to experiences that will inspire
the innovations of our future."
The life of a military family is unique. On average, military
families move six to nine times before their children graduate high
school – about three times more often than civilian families
(see infographic). Boys & Girls Clubs of
America aim to bring consistency and continuity to their lives; the
Club atmosphere provides continuity for military children, whether
living on or off a military base.
"For more than 20 years, Boys & Girls Clubs have offered a
safe, secure place for military kids and teens to help address the
unique circumstances that they have to navigate during their
formative years," said Jim Clark,
president and CEO of BGCA. "With Raytheon's support, we'll be able
to impact more of our military heroes' kids to help them achieve
great futures in areas of science, math or wherever their interests
take them."
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than
100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures.org) has
enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as
productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,100
Clubs serve nearly 4 million young people annually through Club
membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities,
towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country,
and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on
U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place,
caring adult mentors, fun, friendship, and high-impact youth
development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school
hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character
and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of
alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National
headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more
at http://www.bgca.org/facebook and http://bgca.org/twitter.
About Raytheon
Raytheon Company, with 2014 sales of $23
billion and 61,000 employees worldwide, is a technology and
innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government
and cybersecurity markets throughout the world. With a history
of innovation spanning 93 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 cybersecurity and a broad
range of mission support services. Raytheon is headquartered in
Waltham, Mass. For more about
Raytheon, visit us at www.raytheon.com and follow us on
Twitter @Raytheon.
Media Contact
Raytheon Company
Allison
Jeannotte
+781 522-5145
corporatepr@raytheon.com
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SOURCE Raytheon Company