Originally published at raytheonintelligencenadspace.com. Raytheon Technologies ranked No. 41 on The Fair360, formerly DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity list in 2022.
Raytheon Intelligence & Space, a Raytheon Technologies business, announced a new partnership with the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science to launch the Mathematics Achievement Program, or MAP, for underserved high school students in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
MAP is a free STEM education program that will be held on UCLA’s campus on weekends. Students will also receive complimentary transportation, meals and school supplies. The program features advanced math lessons and hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, in addition to lab tours, field trips and panel discussions featuring local STEM leaders.
“Research shows that STEM education opportunities are often scarce for high school students, especially for those attending underserved schools,” said Eric Ditmars ‘91, President of Global Spectrum Dominance at Raytheon Intelligence & Space and member of the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering Dean’s Corporate Advisory Board. “Building a diverse STEM workforce requires greater representation in the STEM education system and expanding access to mentorship and internship opportunities. That’s why we’re proud to partner with UCLA Engineering and other corporate and individual donors to launch MAP.”
The inaugural class consists of nearly 40 ninth and tenth grade students who show an interest in STEM classes but lack the resources needed to further develop their skills for success in higher-level math and science courses.
The program is designed to support the selected rising ninth grade students for four continuous academic years, with the first three years focused on building math skills and working on hands-on projects, while the final year is geared toward helping students prepare to apply for college.
“We are grateful to Raytheon Intelligence & Space for its tremendous commitment to expanding access to STEM education in the Los Angeles area,” said UCLA Samueli Interim Dean Bruce Dunn. “With Raytheon Intelligence & Space’s contribution, we are able to inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists who will no doubt engineer meaningful change to improve society as they move into their careers.”
Expanding access to STEM education to underrepresented communities is a cornerstone of Raytheon Technologies’ 10-year, $500 million corporate social responsibility initiative Connect Up. Launched in 2021, Connect Up provides focused investments and mobilizes employee volunteers to help strategic partners create lasting, multi-generational impact in education opportunity, armed services support and local community relief.
