Northrop Grumman Foundation Inspires Next Generation of Explorers Through Space Camp Sponsorship

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., Oct. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Five students and one teacher from Walter R. Sundling Junior High in Palatine, Ill., took part in the ultimate space adventure this summer with help from the Northrop Grumman Foundation. The students and teacher received a sponsorship from the foundation to attend Space Camp® at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center (USSRC) in Huntsville, Ala.

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Student campers participated in activities such as rocket building and launching, experiencing weightlessness in an astronaut-training simulator and simulating space travel preparation. The teachers attended the Space Academy for Educators, a program designed to provide them with the tools to enhance how they use science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) concepts in the classrooms.

"It was unbelievable, probably one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had," said Laura Turek, who teaches scientific method and biology at Walter R. Sundling Junior High. "One thing they emphasized is that nothing can happen in science with just one person. I learned a lot about the importance of team-building and problem-solving and how to integrate those concepts into my classroom."

The Space Camp® sponsorship, which is part of Northrop Grumman's K-12 Initiative, aims to advance excellence in STEM education by encouraging and supporting students and teachers from elementary school through high school. 

"We are pleased to provide this opportunity for local students to experience a premier educational program that couples classroom instruction with hands-on activities while teaching teamwork, decision-making and leadership," said Jeff Palombo, vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman's Land and Self Protection Systems division. "This is an excellent way for these students to advance their learning and be inspired by some of the country's leading scientists and engineers."

This marks the fifth year that the foundation has funded Space Camp® sponsorships. This year's sponsored space campers included 17 middle school teachers from eight states and 65 middle school students from 10 states and the District of Columbia. Two students and one teacher were from the United Kingdom.

The USSRC Space Camp® is the premier provider of authentic, inspiring and entertaining educational experiences in space science and aviation. The Space Academy for Educators amplifies that mission by using the excitement of the program to create an immersive learning environment where teachers learn new ways to present concepts in their classrooms effectively. Additional information about this year's Space Camp® can be found at http://www.spacecamp.com/

Northrop Grumman and the Northrop Grumman Foundation are committed to expanding and enhancing the pipeline of diverse, talented STEM students globally. Funding is provided to STEM programs that span from pre-school to high school and through collegiate levels, with a major emphasis on middle school students and teachers. Northrop Grumman employees actively volunteer in support of many STEM organizations in local communities and internationally. In 2012, the company and the foundation continued outreach efforts by contributing approximately $22.8 million to diverse STEM-related groups such as the Air Force Association (CyberPatriot); Conservation International (ECO Classroom); the REC Foundation (Vex Robotics) and the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

SOURCE Northrop Grumman Corporation