BETHESDA, MD, February 16th, 1998 -- New and exciting ways for Girl Scouts to explore careers in math, science and technology will soon become possible through a program to be established by a $300,000 grant from Lockheed Martin. The Lockheed Martin Science Career Exploration Fund will help the Girl Scouts underwrite their "Girls at the Center" (GAC) project, an effort designed to introduce Girl Scouts to basic science principles and processes at all 319 Girl Scout Councils nationwide. The Lockheed Martin grant will help GAC learning centers in 15 cities establish local and on-line career mentor programs as well as develop model projects in science, math, and technology career exploration. Mary Ann Feeney, Girl Scout Director for National Fundraising, said, "The Lockheed Martin Science Career Exploration Fund adds the link we needed for Girls Scouts to see how their school studies and scouting experiences could eventually lead to jobs in technology fields. We are grateful to have Lockheed Martin take an interest in helping Girl Scouts think about careers in the math, science and technology areas."

The GAC program makes science accessible to girls and their families in underrepresented communities and provides older girls (12-17) with opportunities for leadership and achievement in math and science. Dr. Vance Coffman, chief executive officer and vice chairman at Lockheed Martin's corporate headquarters in Bethesda, MD, said: "We hope to help the Girl Scouts attract young girls to math, science and technology careers. This opportunity to partner with the Girl Scouts matches perfectly our corporate efforts to interest young people in math and science careers. We are pleased to have the opportunity to participate in such a worthwhile endeavor."

Through its publications, website, workshops and the new Lockheed Martin career mentoring grant, the Girl Scouts expect to reach their 2.6 million members with timely, informative news and career guidance in math and science.