FORT WORTH, Texas, Sept. 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Fort Worth
Independent School District and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT)
announced a $1 million multi-year
grant to expand college- and career-focused science, technology,
engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs for all district
schools.
The STEM curriculum is offered through Project Lead The Way
(PLTW), the nation's leading provider of K-12 STEM programs. With
its activity based curricula, PLTW provides a transformative
learning environment where students learn problem-solving
strategies, critical and creative thinking, and how to communicate
and collaborate. PLTW empowers students to develop in-demand
knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an evolving world.
Nurturing an interest in STEM is vital to addressing the nation's
critical need for future engineers, computer scientists and math-
and science-trained professionals, and to equip all students with
the skills for their future success
Fort Worth ISD is the third urban school district to
expand STEM programming through Lockheed Martin's national
agreement with PLTW. Through the grant, six new schools will begin
offering PLTW programs for the 2015-16 school year. Over the course
of the grant, with matching support from other community partners,
every Fort Worth ISD elementary, middle and high school from across
the district will have the opportunity to implement a PLTW program
of study.
"In a year in which 'Building Relationships' is our District
theme, one of the most valued relationships we have is with
Lockheed Martin," said Interim Superintendent Dr. Patricia Linares. "We are so grateful for their
support and for the example they set in our community through
Project Lead The Way. They and we will work together to make
students successful and ensure the future of Fort Worth."
Lockheed Martin has committed $6
million nationally to expand PLTW programs in select U.S.
urban school districts. In addition to Fort Worth, Lockheed Martin has similar
partnerships with Orange County,
Florida, Huntsville,
Alabama and Washington,
D.C. The grant funding covers implementation costs,
including PLTW teacher professional development training, software,
classroom equipment and supplies. In addition, Lockheed Martin
engineers will volunteer in classrooms at the participating
schools, building relationships with students as role models and
mentors.
"This partnership gives our talented workforce the opportunity
to share the excitement of STEM directly with the students and
provide another connection between the classroom and real-world
application," said Orlando Carvalho,
executive vice president, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. "This is
another aspect of our commitment to our Fort Worth community, where Lockheed Martin
and its predecessor companies have had a presence for more than 70
years."
Expanding student access to STEM education is an issue of
national prosperity and security. The U.S. Department of Commerce
reports that, by 2018, STEM-related jobs in the U.S. will grow by
17 percent, nearly double the rate of jobs in non-STEM fields. The
Department estimates 1.2 million unfilled STEM jobs by 2018, due to
a lack of qualified, trained workers. Expanding access to STEM
education for underrepresented minority students is also of great
interest; only 10 percent of U.S. scientists and engineers come
from underrepresented minority groups.
"The partnership between Lockheed Martin and Fort Worth ISD,
using PLTW's programs, is a model for how public and private
partnerships can help solve the education and workforce development
challenges facing our nation," said PLTW President and Chief
Executive Officer Dr. Vince Bertram.
"We are grateful for Lockheed Martin's leadership and the
opportunities they are creating for students in Fort Worth and other urban areas."
About Lockheed Martin:
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a
global security and aerospace company that employs approximately
112,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the
research, design, development, manufacture, integration and
sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
The Corporation's net sales for 2014 were $45.6 billion.
About Fort Worth ISD:
With over 86,000 students in 83
elementary schools, 29 middle schools and 6th grade centers, 19
high schools and 13 other campuses, Fort Worth ISD enjoys a diverse
student population and strong community partnerships. Under the
leadership of the superintendent and the Board of Education, the
District is undergoing a series of initiatives that will redesign,
transform, and revitalize Fort Worth ISD Schools.
About Project Lead The Way:
Project Lead The Way
(PLTW) is a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative
learning experience for K-12 students and teachers across the U.S.
Through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical
science, K-12 students learn problem-solving strategies, critical
and creative thinking, and how to communicate and collaborate. PLTW
empowers students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills
necessary to thrive in an evolving world. More than 8,000
elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states and the
District of Columbia offer PLTW
programs. For more information, visit www.pltw.org.
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SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company