Raytheon is establishing its first six ‘Centers of Innovation’ at Boys & Girls Clubs affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations and at Clubs that support military families. The centers are being funded through the company’s $5 million, multi-year commitment to Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), part of Raytheon’s recent $10 million pledge to support military veterans and their families.
The first six centers will open in the fall of 2015 at five locations in the United States and one abroad:
Boys & Girls Clubs of South County, Chula Vista, Calif., serving the families of Naval Outlying Landing Field Imperial Beach
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas, Killeen, Tex., serving the families of Fort Hood
Boys & Girls Clubs of Huntsville, Ala., serving the families of Redstone Arsenal
Harford County Boys & Girls Clubs, Aberdeen, Md., serving the families of the Aberdeen Proving Ground
Andrews Air Force Base Youth Center, Md.
Ramstein Air Base Youth Programs, Germany
The centers will be fully outfitted with modern technology, and will offer full-time expert mentors to lead Club members in projects that apply the principles of science, technology, engineering and math. Club members will use technology such as 3D printers, high-definition video conferencing and other tools to brainstorm ideas and collaborate on community improvement projects.
"The men and women who serve this country have sacrificed much for our safety and freedom, and it is our responsibility to help their families achieve great futures," said Tom Kennedy, Raytheon Chairman and CEO. "Today’s military child should be supported as they pursue a college degree, embark on a robust career or choose to serve to their country. The ‘Centers of Innovation’ are designed to foster critical thinking and problem solving skills that will serve military children in all their pursuits while exposing them to experiences that will inspire the innovations of our future."
The life of a military family is unique. On average, military families move six to nine times before their children graduate high school – about three times more often than civilian families (see infographic). Boys & Girls Clubs of America aim to bring consistency and continuity to their lives; the Club atmosphere provides continuity for military children, whether living on or off a military base.
"For more than 20 years, Boys & Girls Clubs have offered a safe, secure place for military kids and teens to help address the unique circumstances that they have to navigate during their formative years," said Jim Clark, president and CEO of BGCA. "With Raytheon’s support, we’ll be able to impact more of our military heroes’ kids to help them achieve great futures in areas of science, math or wherever their interests take them."
Leave a Reply