Lockheed Martin Invests $750,000 in FIRST to Nurture Scientists, Engineers, and Space Explorers of Tomorrow
Global Security and Aerospace Company Expands its Longtime Support of the Nonprofit’s Inspirational, Hands-On STEM Education Programs
MANCHESTER, N.H., September 26, 2018 ― FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), an international K-12 not-for-profit organization founded by inventor Dean Kamen, today announced a $750,000 investment from Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT). As a FIRST Strategic Partner, the global security and aerospace company is recognized as providing the highest level of sponsorship through cumulative and overarching support of the world’s leading child-serving nonprofit advancing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
“By 2020, job opportunities for qualified STEM professionals in the U.S. will reach more than 2.7 million. The demand for digital literacy in all fields is urgent,” said Donald E. Bossi, president of FIRST. “Lockheed Martin understands firsthand the importance of educating and inspiring young people in STEM, and we look forward to partnering more closely to ensure all young people can gain the technical and critical-thinking skills they need for future success at Lockheed Martin or in any of the world’s advanced industries.”
During the 2017-2018 competition season, Lockheed Martin sponsored a total of 240 teams with more than 290 mentors. At the 2018 FIRST Championship, three of its FIRST® Robotics Competition teams won three awards, including one world championship title, and throughout the season, its sponsored teams won a total of 208 awards.
“Our focus on STEM education is critical to the nation’s global competitiveness and security,” said Rod Makoske, senior vice president of Corporate Engineering, Technology and Operations. “At Lockheed Martin, we recognize how important it is to partner with government, educators and STEM organizations such as FIRST to develop a workforce with the skills to compete in a high-tech economy.”
Lockheed Martin is one of more than 20 other companies (including one federal agency) that have achieved the top-tier level for sponsorship of FIRST. Together, these Strategic Partners provide significant funding, mentorship, volunteerism, equipment, and more to enhance the reach and overall impact of FIRST.
For more information about FIRST programs and sponsorship opportunities, please contact development@firstinspires.org.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 100,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. This year the company received three Edison Awards for ground-breaking innovations in autonomy, satellite technology and directed energy.
About FIRST®
Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With support from over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies and more than $80 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST® Robotics Competition for students in Grades 9-12; FIRST® Tech Challenge for Grades 7-12; FIRST® LEGO® League for Grades 4-8; and FIRST® LEGO® League Jr. for Grades K-4. Gracious Professionalism® is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.firstinspires.org.