EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Nov. 14, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has established a $50,000 endowment at Mississippi State University (MSU) aimed at encouraging college students to seek careers in aerospace engineering, an industry field where the demand for skilled, well-educated professionals far exceeds the pool of applicants.
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"High-technology companies across the nation, like Northrop Grumman, continue to face a critical shortage of specialized engineering personnel," said Paul K. Meyer, sector vice president, Advanced Capabilities Development at Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems sector. "Through this endowment, we hope to motivate some of the brightest and best students to seek careers in aerospace engineering."
Northrop Grumman, the largest private employer in Mississippi, has designated that half the funds be used to establish a scholarship for exceptional MSU students enrolled at the university's Bagley College of Engineering. To qualify for the Northrop Grumman Endowed Scholarship, candidates must be pursuing a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering. Preference will be given to students from areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina, which hit the Gulf Coast on August 29.
MSU will use $15,000 of the Northrop Grumman donation to enhance its department of Aerospace Engineering through the support of student design competitions and a distinguished lecture series.
The final $10,000 will be allocated to research activities specifically related to the aerospace industry.
"Mississippi State alumni already working for Northrop Grumman Corporation serve as shining examples of this university's commitment to excellence," said Dr. Charles Lee, MSU president. "Northrop Grumman is helping to shape an entire generation of multi skilled, highly-qualified employees and leaders, educated at Mississippi State University and armed with the skills necessary to succeed."
Northrop Grumman Corporation is the largest private employer in the state. The company's shipbuilding operations have been in Pascagoula since 1938. Last year, Northrop Grumman expanded its presence in Mississippi by breaking ground on a new Unmanned Systems Center that is scheduled to open next month at Trent Lott International Airport.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense company headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif. Northrop Grumman provides a broad array of technologically advanced, innovative products, services and solutions in systems integration, defense electronics, information technology, advanced aircraft, shipbuilding, and space technology. The company has more than 125,000 employees and operates in all 50 states and 25 countries and serves U.S. and international military, government and commercial customers.
