Neel Mehta
Lockheed Martin has invested $800,000 in partnership with Project Lead The Way and the Denver Public Schools Foundation to support the implementation of science, technology, engineering and math-based curriculum across public schools in Denver, Colorado.
The company said Friday the investment will support Project Lead The Way’s STEM program at approximately 100 elementary, middle and high schools under the Denver public school system through a three-year period.
“Studies show that nearly 20 percent of the U.S. workforce — more than 26 million jobs — require significant STEM knowledge and skills,” Vince Bertram, president and CEO of Project Lead The Way, said at a STEM event where the investment was announced.
“The earlier we ingrain science, technology, engineering and math into [the students’] education, the earlier they will learn the skill sets needed to become those visionary thinkers who will continue to move our country forward,” added Mark Valerio, vice president for enterprise solutions and integration at Lockheed’s space systems business.
Lockheed noted it has committed $6 million to support Project Lead The Way initiatives at other select U.S. school districts, including programs in Huntsville, Alabama; Fort Worth, Texas; Orange County, Florida; and Washington, D.C.
The company added it aims to cover program implementation costs including teacher professional development training, software, classroom equipment and supplies as well as provide volunteer support from Lockheed engineers.
