Northrop works to spark interest in engineering

Gazing through infrared cameras and building paper structures strong enough to hold textbooks are just a few of the many activities elementary, middle and high school students throughout the Chicago area are taking part in to learn about engineering.

This year, Northrop Grumman Corp.’s Discover “E” (engineering) program sent over 50 engineers to more than 35 local schools to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) concepts.

“The Discover E program has been a great benefit to my students and I believe has been very influential in sparking interest in some of my students to pursue engineering careers,” said Paul F. Piel, science teacher at St. Peter Lutheran School in Arlington Heights.

“Thanks again to Northrop Grumman and everyone who has been involved in providing this wonderful experience to my students.”

Each year, representatives from the company’s Rolling Meadows facility visit local schools in Rolling Meadows and the surrounding counties to share their engineering expertise, discuss potential careers in engineering and involve the students in hands-on classroom projects and activities.

Each school visited gets a stipend from Northrop Grumman to support math and science-related programs and activities.

“Northrop Grumman is committed to working with students in the community, especially when promoting engineering and related fields through STEM education,” said Jeff Palombo, sector vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman’s Land and Self Protection Systems Division.

“Our goal is to inspire area students to pursue math and science-related careers and to encourage them to become future engineers and technologists.”

The National Society of Professional Engineers introduced Discover “E” many years ago as part of an outreach effort aimed to foster student interest in engineering. Northrop Grumman has been a major sponsor of Discover “E” in the Chicago area.