May 14 2014
Northrop Grumman Corporation's Laser Systems business unit has received the Partners in Education Special Judge's Award from Orange County Public Schools in Orlando.
In photo from left are: Bridget Williams, area superintendent; Pam Carson, senior manager of Community Resources; Christine Moore, District 7 School Board member; George Kispert, assistant principal, Wekiva High School; Linda Harmon, human resources manager, Northrop Grumman Laser Systems; Barbara Jenkins, Orange County Public Schools superintendent; Rick Roach, District 3 School Board member. (Photo by Al Scotti/ Strawbridge Studios)
Orange County Public Schools is the 10th-largest school district in the nation and the fourth-largest in Florida. Northrop Grumman received one of the two Special Judge's Awards presented at the 23rd annual recognition program. The program recognized 25 organizations in three award categories. Honorees were selected from a pool of 1,800 partners in education. The Special Judge's Award was presented to Northrop Grumman for being the industry force behind two innovative educational outreach initiatives, the Wekiva High School Laser Photonics Career Academy and the Laser Systems High School Involvement Partnership program.
"Northrop Grumman has been an outstanding partner, assisting us in creating a program that prepares students for the workforce in the 21st century," said George Kispert, assistant principal of Wekiva High School in Apopka. "With their vision, guidance and financial support, our Laser Photonics students receive hands-on, real-world applications with the use of lasers and electronics."
The Laser Systems High School Involvement Partnership has provided mentoring and training to 23 students through an individualized three-year program. Students design and build solutions to everyday problems with the support of more than 60 volunteer mentors with expertise in engineering and technology. Northrop Grumman provides eligible participants with multiyear scholarships to attend an accredited college or university.
Northrop Grumman Laser Systems is one of the world's leading manufacturers of military electro-optical targeting systems.
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.