Lockheed: Future Tied to STEM Efforts Now
Students with an interest in science, technology, engineering and math have more ways to raise their game and more pathways to government and military STEM careers than ever, thanks to efforts by companies such as Lockheed Martin.
“An emphasis on STEM is something we need so desperately in our country,” says Steve Tomaszeski, Lockheed’s vice president for Navy-Marine Corps programs, based in Lexington Park. “We here at Pax River are always looking to hire young professionals, engineers specifically, young people with bright minds and ambition who want to be on the cutting edge. The Naval Air Systems Command is looking for the same type of person, so we’re in friendly competition. We’re trying to get them down here.”
The competition for STEM talent is only going to get tougher. The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that jobs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) will grow 17 percent by 2018—nearly double the growth for non-STEM fields. But STEM college graduation rates aren’t keeping up. By 2018, the U.S. will have more than 1.2 million unfilled STEM jobs because there won’t be enough qualified workers to fill them.
As a result, Lockheed is an ardent recruiter at college job fairs, Mr. Tomaszeski says, but the company is also making concerted efforts to reach young people much earlier, offering internships and supporting STEM initiatives such as educational partnerships, technological competitions and demonstrations, and hands-on opportunities with working professionals.
Lockheed Martin is a member of The Patuxent Partnership and a partner in TPP’s STEM initiatives. Lockheed Martin is supporting TPP’s second annual STEM-ING event, planned for May 3, 2014, on the campus of St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Building on the success of the 2013 event, this one-day program is designed to introduce up to 140 middle-school girls to local STEM professionals who are positive role models and involve them in knowledge-building workshops that are both practical and fun.
The Patuxent Partnership works intensively on STEM initiatives at the middle school, high school, and college levels. In 2012, TPP announced a $1 million investment to upgrade the physics department at St. Mary’s College. TPP also sponsors events that provide opportunities for students eager to expand their STEM skills, including sponsorship of robotics competitions, aviation courses and summer camp experiences.
In St. Mary’s County, the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International hosts a rigorous student competition at Webster Field designed to foster interest in unmanned systems, technologies and careers. Lockheed Martin, along with other industry partners, is a sponsor of the annual competition, which Mr. Tomaszeski characterizes as demanding but also “pretty cool.”
For more ways the Pax Partnership community supports local STEM initiatives, visit its Leader Profile.
