Aurora Joins Change the Equation to Help Solve America’s Innovation Problem
MANASSAS, VA–(Marketwire – September 27, 2010) – Aurora Flight Sciences announced today that it has joined Change the Equation (CTEq), a CEO-led initiative to cultivate widespread literacy in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). CTEq will not only support the President’s Educate to Innovate campaign mission to increase private and philanthropic involvement in STEM education, but also will meet a critical need for a workforce and a citizenry fluent in science and math.
Change the Equation is bringing together top companies like Time Warner Cable, Sally Ride Science, Kodak, Intel and Xerox, all of which are dedicated to preparing students for STEM-related careers as an investment in their business, the economy and our democracy. Through innovative and effective company-led programs, Aurora and CTEq aim to fill the opportunity gap with capable and enthusiastic STEM-literate young people. It is the first and only STEM education group that brings so many corporate leaders together in collaboration with the White House, State Houses nationwide, and the foundation community.
In his White House speech announcing the program, President Barack Obama noted that a passion for science, math, or engineering “starts long before the payoff happens. It starts in a classroom. It starts when a child learns that every star in the night sky is another sun; when a young girl swells with accomplishment after solving a tough math problem; when a boy builds a model rocket and watches it soar; when an eager student peers through a microscope and discovers a whole new world. It’s in these moments that a young person may discover a talent or a passion that might lead to a career. It’s in these moments every day that our promise as a nation is realized. And it is in these moments that we see why a quality science and math education matters, why it is absolutely critical to us.”
“Aurora has always focused its community outreach on efforts to entrain the next generation of aerospace talent,” said CEO John Langford, “with a special emphasis on groups that have historically been under-represented in aerospace.” The company has been a major sponsor and participant in the TEAM AMERICA ROCKETRY CHALLENGE. The company also supports the National Association of Rocketry’s Junior Team at the biennial World Space Modeling Championships. At the 2009 World Championships, 9 of the 14 American Junior team members were young women. Aurora also supports a wide range of internship programs and is active in mentoring robotic and other science fair competitions.
About Aurora Flight Sciences
Aurora Flight Sciences designs and builds robotic aircraft and other advanced aerospace vehicles for scientific and military applications. Aurora is headquartered in Manassas, VA and operates production plants in Bridgeport, WV and Columbus, MS and a Research and Development Center in Cambridge, MA. To view recent press releases and more about Aurora please visit our web site at www.aurora.aero.
About Change the Equation
Change the Equation (CTEq) is a non-profit organization whose 100 member companies from across industry sectors are dedicated to promoting innovation and investment in STEM teaching and learning. CTEq aims to give STEM education a central place in the national lexicon of excellence and achievement, establishing a national movement to support, promote and implement excellent STEM education for every child.
