WALTHAM, Mass., (Sept. 11, 2009) - Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and the New England Patriots have been honored as Boston Business Journal corporate citizenship partners of the year.
Recognized for this year's "Science of Sports" program, Raytheon and the Patriots partnered as presenting sponsors of the program designed for members of Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Massachusetts. The "Science of Sports" is one highlight of Raytheon's MathMovesU program, which is committed to increasing U.S. students' interest in math and science by engaging them with activities they enjoy most, such as sports, fashion and music.
"The 'Science of Sports' is a unique partnership between Raytheon and the Patriots that exemplifies how to instill passion for science and math among middle school students," said William H. Swanson, Chairman and CEO of Raytheon. "Through the dedicated efforts of our employee volunteers and the Patriots, members of local Boys & Girls Clubs gained self-confidence through extracurricular achievement that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives."
As part of the initiative, Raytheon employees served as mentors for more than 50 student members of Boys & Girls Clubs from Woburn, Lawrence, Waltham, Roxbury and Dorchester (Blue Hill Avenue). For six months, the Raytheon volunteers met with the children bi-weekly as they developed innovative and fun science projects related to sports.
"Working with the Boys & Girls Clubs offers an opportunity for Raytheon and the Patriots to reach a diverse group of young students with the message that math and science are important and can be fun," said Robert Kraft, Chairman and CEO of the New England Patriots. "The first year of 'Science of Sports' was a tremendous success. We look forward to expanding the program to reach even more young people across the Commonwealth."
Serving as the final culmination of the program, the "Science of Sports" Science Fair was held in April at Gillette Stadium. The "Gearheads" from the Lawrence Boys and Girls Club was the winning team and used the scientific method to study how gear ratios affect bicycle riding. Each of the seven children from the Lawrence team received a $1,000 scholarship that can be applied to college study or a math or science campership.
Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.
