Wounded Warrior Project Expands IT Skills Training, Incorporating Cybersecurity, to Increase Opportunities for Injured Veterans Returning Home

WALTHAM, Mass., Nov. 11, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and Cisco announced Thursday a joint effort to both expand the Wounded Warrior Project's (WWP) education initiatives and support the development of a new cybersecurity training program. The effort will include the expansion of current, multi-tiered information technology training programs with an added focus on developing new cybersecurity training opportunities. Combined, these programs will facilitate the ability of wounded servicemen and women to successfully re-enter the workplace with new skills for the IT and cybersecurity markets.

The Wounded Warrior Project is a not-for-profit organization that aims to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded warriors in the nation's history. Raytheon and Cisco will help WWP extend education programs with expertise, technology and financial resources. These expanded programs will help injured servicemen and women develop new skills for a successful transition to the civilian workforce and pursue opportunities to become cybersecurity professionals for their country.

Raytheon's five-year, $2.5 million grant and Cisco's information technology commitment will support WWP's education programs, information technology training and employment assistance services, including the Transition Training Academy (TTA) and Warriors to Work programs. Cisco founded TTA in 2006, and so far the program has provided 1,173 participants and 966 graduated students with the opportunity to learn both standard and advanced IT skills. To date Cisco has invested more than $1.25 million in cash and in-kind donations.  

"On Veterans Day, as we thank all who have served in uniform; we are honored to reach out to wounded warriors in support of cybereducation initiatives that support their long-term goals," said William H. Swanson, Chairman and CEO of Raytheon Company. "We believe strongly in the mission of the Wounded Warrior Project and are proud to have joined this important program that will provide these veterans with an opportunity to continue to contribute to our nation's security with new job skills and professional opportunities at all levels."

"Cisco is proud to continue to help support the brave military men and women who have served their country with honor. Wounded veterans deserve the opportunity to gain new technical skills to help support themselves and their families," said John Chambers, Chairman and CEO of Cisco. "The expansion of the Transition Training Academy provides a small gesture for the great work that our nation's veterans do each and every day. The goal is to help them to effectively secure new roles in the military, transition to jobs or go on to further educational programs in civilian life."

"Wounded Warrior Project thanks Raytheon and Cisco, who believe in our mission of honoring and empowering wounded warriors, for their commitment. We will continue to collaborate with the military services to expand our education outreach and to enhance our curriculum," said Wounded Warrior Project Executive Director Steve Nardizzi. "Their vital support will help ensure that this generation of warriors is economically empowered and successful in the next phase of their lives."

WWP Transition Training Academy and Warriors to Work

WWP delivers services to help build long-term financial and job stability for members of the armed services. These include:

• Transition Training Academy empowers candidates to learn new career skills with real-world application for a greater chance of securing future employment. Graduates have the opportunity to gain civilian employment after leaving the service, or they return to an IT-related military occupational specialty.
• Warriors to Work is a free service that helps connect wounded service members with the support and resources they need to build a career in the civilian workforce, including counseling and services that match soldiers' skills with appropriate employers.

About Wounded Warrior Project

The mission of the Wounded Warrior Project is to honor and empower wounded warriors. Its purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured men and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla. To get involved and learn more, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org .

About Cisco Systems

Cisco, the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate, this year celebrates 25 years of technology innovation, operational excellence and corporate social responsibility. Information about Cisco can be found at http://www.cisco.com. For ongoing news, please go to http://newsroom.cisco.com.

About Raytheon Company

Raytheon Company, with 2009 sales of $25 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 88 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 75,000 people worldwide.

SOURCE Raytheon Company