WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. – Northrop Grumman recently welcomed local students to its Woodland Hills facility for an event aimed at promoting student interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.
Northrop Grumman’s Navigation Systems Division celebrated National Engineers Week, EWeek, by hosting an Engineering Student Day for elementary, middle, high school and college students on Feb. 24. The students toured the company’s labs where inertial navigation systems are manufactured and tested. Additionally, students partnered with Northrop Grumman engineers to participate in a marshmallow-and-spaghetti tower-building challenge using materials purchased from a mock store. The goal was to design and build the tallest, most affordable tower capable of supporting a toy gorilla using only stale marshmallows and uncooked spaghetti.
In the afternoon, college students attended a professional development workshop. Throughout the day, students from Shirley Avenue Elementary, Monroe High School, Robert Fulton College Preparatory, San Marino Unified School District, California State University, Northridge and Cal Poly Pomona participated in the tour and activities at Northrop Grumman.
“Northrop Grumman recognizes the importance of STEM careers, not only in our own business, but in the overall functioning and productivity of our society,” said Thomas McLean, director of engineering for Northrop Grumman’s Navigation Systems Division. “We are committed to working with local students to give them hands-on learning opportunities, with the goal of encouraging and training the next generation of engineers.”
Established in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers, Engineers Week promotes public awareness of engineers’ contributions and an increased appreciation for engineering and technology careers. Northrop Grumman employees across the country participate in the annual EWeek celebration every February, volunteering for activities that highlight the importance of a technical education and engineering.
In recognition of EWeek, Northrop Grumman is offering 11 individual grants of $300 each to local teachers in support of STEM projects. The grants are open to teachers at any public or charter school with an open enrollment policy. Applications are accepted until March 16 at http://www.cybergrants.com/STEMgrants using invitation code NGESEW.
In addition, Northrop Grumman employees regularly participate in programs that are designed to encourage student interest and career aspirations in STEM fields. The company annually sponsors Worthwhile to Help High School Youth, a mentoring and scholarship program for high school students, and the Northrop Grumman Engineering Scholars program, which provides academic scholarships to promising high school seniors who plan to pursue a career in engineering. Additionally, Northrop Grumman employee volunteers regularly work with local schools to sponsor science fairs and campus visits, which include lab tours and engineering projects.
