SAIC Donates $300,000 to UMBC Initiative Fostering Student Success in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 12:00:00 -0500
ovpr-news-2011

Contact:
Anthony Lane
(410) 455-5793
alane@umbc.edu

Melissa Koskovich
(703) 676-6762
Melissa.l.koskovich@saic.com

Laura Luke
(703) 676-6533
laura.luke@saic.com

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) (NYSE: SAI) today announced that SAIC has committed $300,000 to support a new active-learning initiative at UMBC that draws on the latest technology and education research to help students succeed in critical introductory mathematics and science classes.

By providing an environment that engages and supports students as they begin studying these subjects, UMBC's College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (CNMS) Active Science Teaching and Learning Environment (CASTLE) facility aims to increase the number of students majoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). More graduates are needed in these subjects to help the U.S. maintain economic strength and an innovative edge.

UMBC made a substantial investment to design and construct CASTLE as part of a broad effort to engage students aspiring to major in STEM disciplines. SAIC's support as founding sponsor will enable faculty and staff to implement the best approaches to active learning and to redesign key courses to make full use of the facility's resources.

"In this age of increasing global competition, it is essential that we support the students who will move our country forward in science and technology," said Larry Cox, SAIC senior vice president and business unit general manager. "This commitment to UMBC is an investment in both the number and quality of future scientists and engineers who will be available to work at companies like SAIC."

This collaboration builds on UMBC and SAIC's existing relationship, including SAIC's participation on UMBC advisory boards and the 2010-11 Visionaries in Information Technology Forum. UMBC students are active participants in SAIC's summer internship program.

"We are delighted to collaborate with SAIC to explore innovative ways to help our students excel in introductory math and science courses," said UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski. "As a leader in technology, SAIC is demonstrating a commitment to preparing more students for careers in these critical fields."

About UMBC

UMBC is a dynamic public research university integrating teaching, research, and service. An Honors University with enrollment of 12,800, the campus offers academically talented students a strong foundation that prepares them for graduate and professional study, entry into the workforce, community service and leadership. UMBC emphasizes science, engineering, information technology and public policy at the graduate level. For the second year in a row, U.S. News & World Report America's Best Colleges Guide named UMBC the #1 up-and-coming national university. UMBC was also recognized as a place "where the faculty has an unusual commitment to undergraduate teaching."

About SAIC

SAIC is a FORTUNE 500® scientific, engineering, and technology applications company that uses its deep domain knowledge to solve problems of vital importance to the nation and the world, in national security, energy and the environment, critical infrastructure, and health. The company's approximately 45,000 employees serve customers in the U.S. Department of Defense, the intelligence community, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, other U.S. Government civil agencies and selected commercial markets. Headquartered in McLean, Va., SAIC had annual revenues of $10.8 billion for its fiscal year ended January 31, 2010. For more information, visit www.saic.com. SAIC: From Science to Solutions®