BALTIMORE, Dec. 14, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Applications are now being accepted for the annual Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) Engineering Scholars competition, which will provide a total of $240,000 in college scholarships across Maryland next year to promising high-school seniors interested in studying engineering.
"Northrop Grumman is proud to sponsor this innovative scholarship program for the fourth consecutive year aimed at encouraging some of the state's best and brightest students with an interest in math and science to pursue engineering-related careers," said James F. Pitts, corporate vice president and president of the company's Baltimore-based Electronic Systems sector and himself an electrical engineer.
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 Baltimore City. Candidates must plan to attend an accredited college or university as a full-time student in an approved engineering program. The funds may be used for tuition, books, lodging and meals.
"Maryland has a tremendous need for engineers, and we are indebted to Northrop Grumman for its Engineering Scholars competition which has become a model statewide scholarship program," said Nancy S. Grasmick, state superintendent of schools. "The Maryland Department of Education encourages talented math and science students to apply for these generous scholarships."
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 2006 from a public or accredited private high school in the state. Applicants for the scholarship program must also meet minimum SAT and GPA requirements. The application deadline is March 31, 2006.
Application forms have been sent to all high schools within the state. Students can obtain an information packet on the Northrop Grumman Engineering Scholars program, including applications, from their school guidance office. The application form is also available via the Internet at: http://www.es.northropgrumman.com/engscholars/
One of the state's largest private employers, Northrop Grumman is a significant financial and in-kind contributor to educational outreach programs aimed at encouraging young people to consider engineering and science-related career fields. The Electronic Systems sector sponsors the Discover"E" program in Maryland, a grassroots effort by volunteer employees 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.
With 24,000 employees worldwide, including approximately 9,000 employees in Maryland, Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector is a world leader in the design, development and manufacture of defense and commercial electronics and systems including airborne radar, navigation systems, electronic countermeasures, precision weapons, airspace management systems, communications systems, space sensors, marine and naval systems, government systems, and logistics services.