NEW ORLEANS, June 30, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Ship Systems sector was recently presented the Louisiana Department of Education's 2003 Distinguished Partners in Education Award in Baton Rouge.
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Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Cecil Picard, who presided at the awards ceremony, noted the sector's Avondale Operations was recognized for "making significant contributions to education in the state of Louisiana and promoting a stronger working relationship and sharing of resources between schools and the community."
Ship Systems was one of eight Louisiana companies to receive the award out of more than 25 nominated from throughout the state. Members of the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education presented the awards.
"Northrop Grumman is honored to receive this Louisiana State Partners in Education Award," said Avondale Operations Vice President George Yount. "We build ships, to be sure, but we also build careers. Linking with the entire spectrum of education is the way we can work with all of you in education to provide the trained and experienced workforce of the future."
An eight-member committee composed of statewide educators and administrators selected Ship Systems, which was nominated for the award by the Jefferson Parish public school system and Bridge City Elementary School in Bridge City, La.
"Avondale is a very deserving recipient of this award for its ongoing leadership role and support of educational projects in Jefferson Parish public schools, and particularly for its work in helping establish maritime and shipbuilding academies in our public high schools," said Dianna Dyer, work-to-career coordinator for the parish's public school system.
In 2003, Ship Systems expanded its maritime academy to four additional high schools, aligned training and coursework with Louisiana technical colleges and Delgado Community College to help train individuals and elevate their skill levels, and sponsored internships for 40 Jefferson Parish educators so they could better prepare students for the maritime industry workforce. Avondale Operations was also recognized for its development of on-the-job-training, apprenticeship and pay-for-skills programs for its employees at its New Orleans facility.
In addition to eight new major education initiatives begun in 2002-2003 by Ship Systems, the sector has also contributed financially to area education programs, including engineering projects at the University of New Orleans and college scholarships for deserving area high school graduates. The sector also continued to fund Northrop Grumman's innovative K-12 education support program, which over the past four years has distributed a total of $110,000 in grants to 38 schools throughout the region.
"I can't say enough about all that Avondale does for us," said Bridge City Elementary School Principal Anna Bordlee. "This company is so much more than just a business partner on paper -- it really cares about the well-being of our school, its students, faculty and staff. They are year-round partners, sponsoring our HOSTS mentoring program with financial donations and employee volunteers who serve as daily mentors. From computer donations, to employee-volunteer painting projects, to donations of Christmas gifts and other year-round support, Avondale is truly our major partner, supporter and friend."
Northrop Grumman Ship Systems' primary operations are in New Orleans and Tallulah, Louisiana, and Pascagoula and Gulfport, Mississippi. The sector also has a network of fleet support offices in the U.S. and Japan. Ship Systems currently employs more than 18,000 shipbuilding professionals, primarily in Louisiana and Mississippi, is one of the nation's leading full service systems companies for the design, engineering, construction, and life cycle support of major surface ships for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and international navies, and for commercial vessels of all types.
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