Boys & Girls Clubs of America And Raytheon Will Establish Four New STEM Centers Of Innovation For Military Youth In 2019

ATLANTA, Sept. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Raytheon (NYSE: RTN) will open four new STEM Centers of Innovation near military installations nationwide in 2019. The STEM Centers of Innovation will support local youth and military families in the following communities:

• Los Angeles Air Force Base Youth Center – El Segundo, CA
• United States Army Fort Meade Garrison Youth Programs – Fort Meade, MD
• United States Army Garrison Fort Gordon Youth Programs – Fort Gordon, GA
• Langley Air Force Base Youth Programs – Hampton, VA

The addition of new STEM Centers of Innovation in California, Georgia, Maryland and Virginia marks 18 centers established to keep military youth on the path to great futures with science, technology, engineering, and math learning. This is a relevant and necessary skillset that is needed to fill the estimated nine million jobs that will be created in STEM-related fields by 2020, a statistic provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The centers provide military youth with access to advanced technologies that stimulate creative approaches to STEM exploration, including 3-D printers, robotics, high-definition video production and conferencing equipment. A fully dedicated STEM educator will offer individual and group support, using real-world applications to help youth program participants develop their STEM skills and critical thinking.

As a part of Raytheon's $10 million pledge to support military families and veterans, the STEM Centers of Innovation are fully supported by Raytheon's $5 million, multi-year commitment to Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

"The children of military families are unsung heroes. They have to handle new schools, new friends -- and the worry that comes when a parent is deployed," said Pam Erickson, vice president of global branding and corporate citizenship. "Building off the continuity of experience that military kids can find in Boys and Girls Clubs, the Raytheon Centers of Innovation are designed to provide military kids with access to current technology that can be used to inspire innovation."

Military families are unique compared to most families. On average, military families move six to nine times before their children graduate high school – about three times more often than civilian families. Through military-focused programming, Boys & Girls Clubs of America aims to bring consistency and continuity to their lives, whether living on or off a military base.

"Boys & Girls Clubs and BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on military installations not only offer a safe and fun environment for military kids and teens but they also help inspire them to discover their passion," said Jim Clark, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. "With the continued support from Raytheon, we can introduce more youth to STEM careers and help them create a career plan for their future."

About Raytheon
Raytheon Company, with 2017 sales of $25 billion and 64,000 employees, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity solutions. With a history of innovation spanning 96 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration, C5I™ products and services, sensing, effects, and mission support for customers in more than 80 countries. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. Follow us on Twitter.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 150 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, 4,400 Clubs serve 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs and BGCA-Affiliated Youth Programs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations globally. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Club programs promote academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 54 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE Boys & Girls Clubs of America

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http://www.bgca.org