Old Dominion News

RICHMOND, VA — Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced RTX’s donation of $1 million to NAF, a national non-profit organization focused on preparing high school students for college and career success, to kickstart a STEM education program in Virginia’s schools and the Commonwealth’s K-12 College Partnership Laboratory School Initiative.

“Private sector leadership is critical to bringing innovation to Virginia public schools, and I am grateful for RTX’s donation to NAF to support STEM in Virginia schools,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Our lab school initiative is focused on creating pathways to the most in demand careers, technical training, and STEM exposure for Virginia students. The Virginia Department of Education will work closely with NAF on a plan to support lab school and STEM development in Virginia public schools.”

“The future of aerospace and defense innovation will be defined by the young people in Virginia schools and beyond,” said Greg Hayes, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, RTX. “Our partnership with the state and NAF will deliver career-themed curriculum through academies of engineering and related business disciplines in public high schools right here in the commonwealth.”

Governor Youngkin has made lab schools a top priority after securing $100 million for this initiative. The first inaugural lab school was announced in July 2023. The VCU x CodeRVA Lab School is a joint venture between the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Center for Teacher Leadership at the VCU School of Education RTR Teacher Residency program and the CodeRVA Regional High School.

In addition, six lab school applications have been submitted and 16 lab school planning grants have been approved. A significant proportion of applicants are pursuing STEM-centered instructional models and are aligned to meet workforce needs.

RTX’s donation builds upon a long history of partnership and investment in Virginia’s education system. To date, RTX has invested more than $17.6 million through its Employee Scholar Program at Virginia institutions, resulting in more than 700 degrees. Over 200 RTX employees are currently attending Virginia institutions under the program.

RTX also partners with universities like Virginia Tech, charitable organizations like Girls Who Code, FIRST robotics, and Boys and Girls Clubs of America, as well as other groups in Virgina to support the next generation of STEM leaders.

RTX’s partnership with Virginia Tech includes:

• Master Research Agreements with each of RTX’s businesses covering everything from power electronics to AI to advanced engines.

• Pratt & Whitney’s Center of Excellence at Virginia Tech supports research in advanced instrumentation for gas turbine engine propulsion.

• A cleared intern pipeline development and fellowship program.

Find more information on Lab Schools here.

Original source can be found here.