Goodrich Foundation Awards Grant to Elementary Institute of Science in San Diego

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 8, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Goodrich Foundation has awarded the Elementary Institute of Science (EIS) in San Diego, Calif. $5,000 to support its programs that provide hands-on science instruction for area young people. In operation since the early 1960s, the non-profit institute is open to any child in the San Diego area and focuses on providing science instruction to groups typically under-represented in science fields, such as females and people of color. The grant will be used to support the Elementary Institute of Science's after-school and Saturday programs for children ages 7 to 13.

EIS was started in 1964 by the late Tom Watts, a San Diego elementary school science teacher. Watts set up a surplus aquarium in the back of his classroom and encouraged his students to learn about the sea life it contained. Watts noticed that the students were much more engaged in learning about science through hands-on experiences than through traditional methods. In 1968, EIS leased an uninhabitable house from the City of San Diego, refurbishing it to become the institute's first permanent location. In 2004, EIS moved into its present, more spacious 15,000 square foot facility on the site of its original location. Through the years, a fundamental EIS goal has been to make science accessible to all children.

"Mr. Watts used to say that you could never look at a child and tell which one was going to really make a contribution in the area of science. He'd say, 'Let them all in and let them sift through what interests them when they get here,'" said EIS Executive Director Doris Anderson. "Our hands-on approach makes us different. Students don't have to use textbooks, have tests or homework. Everything is contained in the classroom so young people can exercise their natural curiosity about science. We believe science should not be something to be dreaded, but something fun and interesting that makes kids curious and eager to learn more."

Marc Duvall, president of Goodrich Aerostructures in Chula Vista, Calif. said that the goals of the institute align perfectly with those of the company.

"One of Goodrich's goals in communities where it has facilities is to further study of the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) disciplines in young people," he said. "Providing a grant for the educational programs offered at the Elementary Institute of Science is a win-win for the company and for EIS – as well as for children in the San Diego area."

The Elementary Institute of Science is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that serves more than 750 students a year through its after-school and Saturday general science programs for youngsters ages 7 to 13 as well as a focused program for older students. EIS has been nationally recognized for its work with young people. Additional information on the Elementary Institute of Science can be found at http://www.eisca.org/

Goodrich Foundation is the charitable arm of Goodrich Corporation (NYSE: GR). The Foundation provides support to selected charitable institutions in Goodrich's United States headquarters and plant communities.

Goodrich Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, is a global supplier of systems and services to aerospace, defense and homeland security markets.  With one of the most strategically diversified portfolios of products in the industry, Goodrich serves a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and service facilities.  For more information visit http://www.goodrich.com.

Goodrich Corporation operates through its divisions and as a parent company for its subsidiaries, one or more of which may be referred to as "Goodrich Corporation" in this press release.

SOURCE Goodrich Corporation; GR - Nacelles and Interior Systems; GR - Actuation and Landing Systems; GR - Electronic Systems