WORTHY Worthwhile to Help High School Youth

Background In response to a growing concern around the scarcity of college students enrolling in technical programs, Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, headquartered in Baltimore, launched the WORTHY program in 1998. The program is designed to help develop tomorrow’s technical and business leaders and encourage the pursuit of technical or business degrees by providing hands-on experience and improving access to post-secondary education.

Focus The focus and primary objective of the WORTHY program is to select Albemarle County students who are challenged by their environment, available resources and support systems, yet demonstrate the academic excellence and leadership ability necessary to successfully complete college studies in engineering, science, computer science, or math.

Objectives To enhance the development of future technical talent and attract students toward careers with Sperry Marine. To establish and maintain a meaningful relationship with, and commitment to, the young people of Albemarle County. To expose students to the process of becoming successful professionals by providing them with the opportunity to work in a corporate environment. To provide opportunities for mentees to take on leadership roles within the company and thus become role models in their communities.

Eligibility To be considered for the program, a student must be recommended by a school representative or community leader. To qualify, an applicant must be: A resident of Albemarle County or Charlottesville City Attending a public high school within Albemarle County/Charlottesville City limits (10th or 11th grade for the upcoming school year) Planning to major in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Math, or Business (accounting, marketing, finance, and/or international business) Enrolled in a college preparatory curriculum Able to maintain a 3.0 grade point average while enrolled in the program and for at least two consecutive semesters prior to the application period Able to acquire a Department of Defense security clearance

Program Details Students visit the facility on the second Tuesday of each month Paired with at least two mentors Participate in annual college campus visit Must maintain 3.0+ GPA Optional summer enrichment Awarded multi-year college scholarship upon completion of the program (funded by NGES) Intern or co-op with company during college 6

2008 – 2009 Timeline February Initiate communication with schools April 15th Deadline for mentee applications April Select candidates May Notify candidates June – July Recruit additional Mentors August WORTHY Orientation & Kickoff Luncheon Sept – June WORTHY Project June WORTHY Day