Building youth interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) has garnered much
attention in recent years. Lockheed Martin (www.lockheedmartin.com), however, has long recognized the importance of this directive. This summer, the company is hosting 20 middle- and high-school teachers in support of the Industry Initiatives for Science and Math Education (IISME; www.iisme.com). In all, the company has sponsored 354 such fellowships since 1985.
The IISME’s primary initiative, the Summer Fellowship Program, places qualified teachers into local companies and research labs for an eight-week learning experience. During this period, each teacher—paired with industry mentors—augments his or her science and math skills by solving real-world problems. The challenges posed to Lockheed Martin’s fellows and the teachers pertain to space systems under development by the company including satellite communications and missiles. The expectation is that participants will transfer their newfound knowledge and enthusiasm to their students upon returning to the classroom in the fall.