Lockheed Martin demonstrated its strong commitment to the value of continued learning with an Education Fair held for employees today at its aeronautics plant here. Similar events were held simultaneously at Lockheed Martin aeronautics sites in Marietta, Ga., and Palmdale, Calif.

More than 30 colleges and universities participated by sending representatives with information for members of Lockheed Martin's 15,700-person workforce in Fort Worth. The company distributed information on its tuition refund and educational expense reimbursement program, which covers the cost of employees' tuition and books for graduate and undergraduate programs at most accredited schools.

The learning institutions set up information booths in an outdoor area near the plant's main cafeteria. Most were showing their school colors, lending a fun and festive atmosphere to the occasion.

Lockheed Martin believes education is critical to its business success.

"As a high technology company, we recognize that the continued education of today's workforce is a vital need to ensure Lockheed Martin's competitiveness for the future," said Mark Hawthorne, a company human resources manager. "We encourage our workforce to take advantage of educational opportunities at all levels, depending on the needs and interests of the employees and their long-range goals."

Today's event included a "graduation ceremony" in which 70 of Lockheed Martin's Fort Worth site employees were recognized for receiving undergraduate and graduate degrees in the past year, up to the doctorate level. The programs included a wide variety of schools and educational disciplines, including advanced engineering degrees, MBAs and law degrees.

Lockheed Martin's educational benefits program is one of the best in industry. In addition to developing the skills of employees, it helps the company attract and retain a highly qualified workforce.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., a business area of Lockheed Martin Corp., is a leader in the design, development, systems integration, production and support of advanced military aircraft and related technologies. Its customers include the military services of the United States and allied countries throughout the world. Products include the F-16, F/A-22, F-35 JSF, F-117, T-50, C-5, C-130, C-130J, P-3, S-3 and U-2.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin Corp. employs about 125,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2002 sales of $26.6 billion.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company