Honeywell Joins Change the Equation to Solve America's Innovation Problem

President Obama Launches Change the Equation at White House Event

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Sep 17, 2010, 10:54 ET

MORRISTOWN, N.J., Sept. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Honeywell (NYSE: HON), announced today that it has joined Change the Equation (CTEq), a CEO-led initiative to cultivate widespread literacy in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). CTEq will not only achieve the President's Educate to Innovate campaign mission, to increase private and philanthropic involvement in STEM education, but will also meet the critical need of creating a society fluent in science and math.

CTEq is bringing together top companies like Honeywell across multiple sectors, all of which are dedicated to preparing students for STEM-related careers. Through innovative and effective company-led programs Honeywell and CTEq aim to fill the opportunity gap with capable and enthusiastic STEM-literate young people. It is the first and only STEM education group that brings so many corporate leaders together in collaboration with the White House, State Houses nationwide, and the foundation community. Honeywell joins Board members Time Warner Cable, Sally Ride Science, Kodak, Intel, Xerox and ExxonMobil.

"Investing in, and collaborating on STEM education has always been a priority for our company," said Tom Buckmaster, President, Honeywell Hometown Solutions. "At Honeywell, much of our global philanthropic work is focused on STEM education. We have created programs to create excitement and a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. The Honeywell Nobel Initiative works with Nobel Prize winners in physics and chemistry, targeting key universities around the globe, our FMA Live! program was created specifically for middle school students, to teach them Newton's Second Law in a fun and memorable way."

America's problem with math, which is the entry point into science, technology and engineering, is not solely rooted in academic skill. According to a recent survey commissioned by CTEq, nearly three in every ten adults believe they are not good at math. This problem is especially acute in younger Americans. More than half of Americans aged 18 to 36 admit that they often find themselves saying they can't do math.

"'I can't do math' has become an iconic excuse in our society," said Linda Rosen, Chief Executive Officer of CTEq. "Many Americans have expressed it, but I don't believe it's an accurate reflection of who we are, or, more importantly, what we can do."

CTEq has an ambitious agenda for its first year, including creating a snapshot of existing STEM investments by its 100 member companies to establish a baseline of STEM programs. Honeywell will continue to develop its STEM initiatives with a focus on educator programs such as Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy, and Science and Technology Kit distribution, and student programs like FMA Live! and Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy.

CTEq goals are to:

Improve STEM teaching at all grade levels, with a larger and more racially, ethnically and gender-diverse pool of highly capable STEM teachers.
Deepen student appreciation and excitement for STEM programs and careers to increase enrollment and success, especially among females and students of color.
Achieve a sustained commitment to the STEM movement from business leaders, government officials, STEM teachers and other stakeholders through communication, collaboration and data-based decision making.

About Honeywell

Honeywell International (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell's shares are traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywellnow.com.

About Change the Equation (CTEq)

Change the Equation (CTEq) is a non-profit organization whose 100 member companies from across industry sectors are dedicated to promoting innovation and investment in STEM teaching and learning. CTEq aims to give STEM education a central place in the national lexicon of excellence and achievement, establishing a national movement to support, promote and implement excellent STEM education for every child.

www.changetheequation.org

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