MathematicsRaytheon highlights Mathematics Awareness Month activities
The importance of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education to U.S. economic well-being and national security cannot be overemphasized; Raytheon is famous for its commitment to STEM education, and this month — Mathematics Awareness Month — the company highlights the many STEM-related activities it sponsors
Raytheon says it is celebrating Mathematics Awareness Month by highlighting the importance of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through activities that inspire students to create lifelong connections with those subject areas and develop interest in relevant career opportunities. Observed each April, Mathematics Awareness Month promotes public understanding of and appreciation for math.
The company notes that during this month, and every month, Raytheon’s MathMovesU initiative aims to increase middle and elementary school students’ interest in STEM education by engaging them in hands-on, interactive activities. Raytheon believes that in order to build the next pipeline of technologists and innovators to ensure a competitive U.S. workforce and future economic growth, students must be shown the relevance of STEM in their everyday lives and future careers.
In April, the company will be highlighting results via Raytheon’s @MathMovesU Twitter handle from its recent survey about America’s middle school students’ perceptions of math. Among the survey findings, nearly half of students ages 10-14 said they enjoy learning math outside of the classroom and consider hands-on activities their favorite method of experiencing new subject material.
Raytheon is also showcasing its commitment to math education this month on Raytheon.com and its MathMovesU Facebook fan page by featuring its MathMovesU history, teacher scholarship programs, employee volunteerism, and the company’s support of national math challenges:
— New MathMovesU Facebook timeline: Since 2005, MathMovesU has touched the lives of more than three million students, teachers, and parents. See how MathMovesU has provided students of all ages with unique educational experiences that inspire, enlighten and entertain through the years.
— Teacher scholarship programs: As part of the MathMovesU Grants and Scholarships Program, Raytheon selects thirty-two teachers and mentors nationwide through its MathMovesU Math Hero Awards Program for engaging students in math through interactive and creative learning initiatives. Each winner will receive a $2,500 award and a matching grant for his or her school. Nominations are open through Wednesday, 16 May. Additionally, as part of the Raytheon-Engineering is Elementary (EiE) Teacher Scholarship Program, elementary teachers and science specialists are eligible to receive a $3,000 scholarship to attend an EiE Professional Development workshop created by the Museum of Science, Boston with the support of Raytheon.
— Volunteering: Raytheon will celebrate National Volunteer Week, 15-21 April, by honoring employee volunteers and partner organizations dedicated to active community engagement through a variety of local and national outreach efforts. For the entire month of April, Raytheon is especially encouraging volunteerism aimed at improving STEM education, such as the company’s math mentoring program.
— Math Challenges: Raytheon-sponsored teams are competing in the FIRST Robotics Championship 25-28 April, at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri. The event challenges students to design and build their own robots from standard kits of parts. Also, Raytheon will award $1,000 scholarships to forty Raytheon-sponsored team members who plan to pursue college degrees in STEM. In addition, Raytheon will continue to host the U.S. top 224 middle school math minds as the title sponsor of the Raytheon MATHCOUNTS National Competition 10-12 May in Orlando, Florida.
