Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 90,000 employees Define Possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services.
To continue to innovate and excel, it is imperative for us to help develop students’ abilities and interest in STEM to place them on a path towards workforce readiness. Our education strategy focuses on engineering- and technology-based programs and initiatives that excite, engage, and educate students and serve as professional development resources for teachers, with a primary focus on middle grades.
There is a decline in women and minority students going into STEM careers. At Northrop Grumman we value diversity of thought and believe it is integral to creativity, problem solving and innovation. Starting in 2021, we will dedicate 50% of our education funding to resources or programs that support social justice through diversity, equity and inclusion.
Engineering autonomous vehicles, exploring space, defending cyber networks and examining environmental issues are just a few examples of the skills students and teachers develop through programs we support.
Education Outreach Initiatives, Partners and Programs
Computer Science Education Programs
We support computer science teacher professional development and youth programs to inspire the next generation of computer scientists. Partners include Code.org, CS4ALL, CyberPatriot and global programs such as CyberCenturion, CyberArabia and CyberTaipan.
Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (REC)—VEX Robotics
VEX Robotics gives students the opportunity to develop a passion for robotics in a fun, hands-on way. In addition, VEX encourages teamwork, problem solving, and leadership. The Northrop Grumman Foundation is the presenting sponsor of the Annual VEX Robotics World Championships, which includes teams from all over the world.
U.S. Space and Rocket Center®—Space Camp®
Space Camp® helps inspire a greater appreciation and love of science. Throughout our history supporting this program, we’ve provided scholarships to send approximately 650 students and 300 teachers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Japan to Space Camp. In addition, we support Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students, which inspires and excites students with disabilities.
Into the Unknown
The Northrop Grumman Foundation, in conjunction with filmmaker Nathaniel Kahn, and the Space Telescope Science Institute, produced the documentary Into the Unknown. Designed as a resource for teachers and students, the film provides an in-depth look at one of the most daring scientific missions ever attempted: the building of NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope.
EarthEcho International— EarthEcho Expeditions
Led by explorer and environmental advocate Philippe Cousteau, Jr., this program provides professional development for teachers to learn new ways to excite and educate students about real-world science. Each year, up to 25 middle school teacher participants examine local and global environmental concerns and learn how technology and engineering is used to help address
Northrop Grumman Foundation Teachers Academy
Designed specifically for middle school teachers, the Northrop Grumman Foundation Teachers Academy builds teacher confidence and classroom excellence in science, engineering and technology, and helps teachers to understand the skills needed for a scientifically literate workforce. Northrop Grumman engineers and technologists are integral to the design and implementation of the program and provide industry perspectives to teachers. In turn, the teachers receive a yearlong immersion in a host of science, technology and engineering learning opportunities.
Partners in Education
Northrop Grumman provides volunteer, financial and educational resources to help meet local schools’ education needs in communities where we work and live.
High School Involvement Partnership
Our High School Involvement Partnership program pairs high school students with employees to provide mentoring, business-environment exposure and hands-on experience in real-world STEM applications.
Employee Volunteerism
Employees are a key component of our company’s Corporate Citizenship initiatives. Volunteers engage in a number of ways including board service, school visits, mentoring, hosting on-site facility tours and supporting events such as Engineers Week and Manufacturing Day. Our employee resource groups comprise many active volunteers with a passion for STEM outreach to diverse populations. This includes supporting programming with partner organizations such as Great Minds in STEM’s Viva Technology and the National Society of Black Engineers’ Summer Engineering Experience for Kids (SEEK).
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) 4
Ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning.
By 2030, we aim to help increase math and science proficiency for 350,000 students by providing professional development to middle school educators.
Our goal is based on:
- Professional development provided to a minimum of 81 teachers per year
- Teachers stay in the field for two additional years after receiving the professional development, three years total
- Each teacher reaches approximately 100 students per year, 300 over the course of three years
2020 Impact:
- Professional development was provided to 151 new teachers, equating to an estimated 15,100 students
- The 586 teachers who participated in these programs in 2018 (251) and 2019 (335) impacted an additional 58,600 students this year
- In total, 73,700 students were reached
Since 2013, we have helped to increase math and science proficiency for approximately 272,180 students.
STEM Education Partnership Case Study: A Collaboration with the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and the Baltimore City Public Schools System
In 2015, after the unrest in Baltimore City, Northrop Grumman and UMBC collaborated to create a comprehensive strategy geared at uplifting the local community by providing robust curriculum-based STEM education resources, relevant professional development for teachers and state-of-the-art technology at three Baltimore City Schools: Lakeland Elementary/Middle School, Benjamin Franklin High School at Masonville Cove and Excel Academy at Francis M. Wood High School. Read the case study here.
Learn more about our STEM education strategy or email STEMEducation@ngc.com with questions.
