Lockheed Martin Inspires Next Generation Of Scientists And Engineers

BETHESDA, Md., March 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its ongoing commitment to STEM education, Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] will serve as the founding and presenting host of the third USA Science & Engineering Festival. Lockheed Martin hopes to empower and inspire students of all ages to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

It is well documented that there is an urgent need for the U.S. to develop a stronger workforce of experts in STEM. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, only five percent of U.S. workers are employed in fields related to science and engineering, yet they are responsible for more than 50 percent of sustained economic expansion.

The President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology estimates that the U.S. will need to produce approximately one million more STEM professionals than are expected to graduate over the next ten years in order to ensure our global competitiveness. Currently, a mere 300,000 bachelor and associate degrees in STEM fields are awarded in the U.S. annually, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that approximately 20 percent of the STEM workforce is over the age of 55 and may retire over the next 10 years. The Festival's purpose is to help bridge this workforce gap.

"Advancing STEM education is a critical focus for Lockheed Martin," said Dr. Ray O. Johnson, Festival co-founder and Lockheed Martin senior vice president and chief technology officer. "We know firsthand the importance of educating our young people in these areas. Our future success—and our nation's technological advantage—depends on fostering the next generation of highly trained, highly capable talent."

Lockheed Martin's exhibit will feature interactive, hands-on displays and activities, such as flight simulators, 3-D printers, robotic experiences, and space exploration demonstrations, to highlight how scientists and engineers are creating a brighter future. The center stage will feature rotating presentations by inventors, entrepreneurs, and celebrities. More than 300 Lockheed Martin scientists and engineers will be on hand over the weekend to discuss their exciting projects and share their career stories.

What: Lockheed Martin's exhibits at the 2014 USA Science & Engineering Festival, which will offer the thrill of hands-on STEM activities to America's youth.

When:  Media Sneak Peek – Friday, April 25, 2014 
- 8:30 a.m. Press Conference
- 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Sneak Peek at Exhibits
Festival open to the public – Saturday, April 26 - Sunday, April 27, 2014

Where:  Walter E. Washington Convention Center
801 Mt. Vernon Pl NW
Washington, DC 20001

Background
More than 500,000 people participated in the 2012 USA Science & Engineering Festival and associated events throughout the year. The 2014 Grand Finale expo at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center draws students, parents, teachers, organizations and companies interested in promoting STEM education. To learn more about Lockheed Martin's involvement in the Festival and the exhibits, click here.

About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 115,000 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 2013 were $45.4 billion.

For additional information on how Lockheed Martin is supporting STEM education, click here.

For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com
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SOURCE Lockheed Martin