Northrop Grumman to Provide $240,000 in Scholarships Aimed at Encouraging Future Engineers in Maryland


BALTIMORE, Oct. 30, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Officials of Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Electronic Systems sector today announced plans to award a total of $240,000 in college scholarships next year to promising high school students across Maryland interested in studying engineering.

Details of the first annual Northrop Grumman Engineering Scholars program were unveiled by Robert P. Iorizzo, president of Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector, at a meeting of the Maryland State Board of Education in Baltimore. Officials of the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) have offered to help promote the innovative new college scholarship initiative in high schools throughout Maryland.

"This new scholarship program is intended to support promising high school seniors statewide who intend to pursue a career in an engineering-related field," said Iorizzo, who holds a degree in physics. "High-technology companies across the state, including Northrop Grumman, continue to face a critical shortage of specialized engineering personnel we need for our businesses. Through this scholarship effort, we hope to motivate some of the state's brightest and best students -- with a background and interest in math and science -- to consider the engineering professions."

Individual scholarships of $10,000 will be awarded by Northrop Grumman to a qualified graduating high school senior in each of Maryland's 23 counties and in the city of Baltimore. Candidates must plan to attend an accredited college or university as a full-time student in an approved engineering program. The funds can be used for tuition, books, lodging and meals.

"Math and science are the language of the 21st century, a century powered by knowledge, driven by information and fueled by technology," said State Superintendent of Schools Nancy S. Grasmick. "The National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st Century outlined three goals essential to improving the quality of math and science education, which are all part of our statewide initiatives. However, a critical fourth component to improving all education is the involvement of the business community.

"Northrop Grumman has long been a supporter of education with mentoring and internship programs. We are extremely pleased that this Maryland-based company is piloting its Engineering Scholars program right here in Maryland and we consider Northrop Grumman a partner in our education reform efforts," Grasmick added.

A committee of Northrop Grumman employees will select the Engineering Scholars winners. Applicants must be a resident of Maryland and a graduating senior in the spring of 2003 from a public or accredited private high school in the state. Applicants for the scholarship program must also have a minimum composite SAT score of 1,100 and a minimum GPA of 3.5 (grades 9-12).

Further information and applications for the Northrop Grumman Engineering Scholars program will be distributed in early November to high school guidance offices at all public and accredited private high schools across the state. Information on the program is also available by writing to Northrop Grumman Engineering Scholars at the following email address: esengscholars@northropgrumman.com

The state's largest manufacturing employer, Northrop Grumman is a significant financial and in-kind contributor to educational outreach programs aimed at encouraging young people throughout Maryland to consider engineering and science-related career fields. The Electronic Systems sector sponsors the Discover"E" program in Maryland, a grassroots effort by volunteer engineers at the company to excite student interest in engineering, math and science. Northrop Grumman is also a major corporate sponsor of the Maryland Teacher of the Year competition.

Headquartered in Baltimore, Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector is a world leader in the design, development and manufacture of defense electronics and systems including airborne radar systems, navigation systems, electronic warfare systems, precision weapons, air traffic control systems, air defense systems, communications systems, space systems, marine systems, oceanic and naval systems, logistics systems, and automation and information systems.

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Reginald L. Dunn, Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick, Robert P. Iorizzo

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