GAITHERSBURG, Md., Oct. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Top performing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) high school students from Maryland will gather today at Lockheed Martin's (NYSE: LMT) NexGen Cyber Innovation & Technology Center to explore cyber security careers, education and to promote safe online practices through a series of lessons and interactive stations.  

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110419/PH85737LOGO-b )

In partnership with Tech Council of Maryland and National Cyber Security Alliance, Lockheed Martin will engage students in workshops with participation from government agencies such as, Department of Homeland Security, National Security Agency and National Institute for Standards and Technology.  Additionally, the Honorable Lt. Governor Anthony Brown will kick off the first session of the day.

"With new military commands in our state from the Base Realignment and Closure process, and numerous private companies working to support them, Maryland is poised to be a national leader in the cyber security industry," said Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown, who leads the O'Malley-Brown Administration's economic development portfolio.  "Governor O'Malley and I are committed to preparing and connecting Maryland's world-class workforce with these highly skilled jobs. I thank Lockheed Martin for being a partner in this effort by working with our higher education institutions to help Maryland students learn about the promising career opportunities in cyber security."

Students from Thomas S. Wootton High School, National Academy Foundation High School, Walkersville High School, Urbana High School, Center for Applied Technology North, Carver Vocational Technical High School, Chesapeake High School STEM Academy, Washington County Technical High School, Patterson High School and Charles Herbert Flowers High School will gather from six counties.

"Our nation needs the talent and energy these highly connected and computer-savvy students can bring to the cyber security profession.  We are proud to be working side-by-side with the Tech Council of Maryland and National Cyber Security Alliance to connect students with local cyber security educational opportunities.  Lockheed Martin believes that delivering cyber security is a team sport and educating the best and brightest in cooperation with our universities is a critical part of securing America's future," said Charles Croom, Vice President of Cyber Security Solutions.

The event is designed to introduce students to the emerging field of cyber study featuring eight universities and colleges from Maryland which include: John Hopkins University; University of Maryland; University of Maryland, University College; University of Maryland, Baltimore County; Anne Arundel Community College; Capitol College; Montgomery College and Prince George's Community College.  Cyber Watch, an Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Center, headquartered at Prince George's Community College and funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation, will be on site.  

"Cyber threats are on the rise and educating our youth on these problems will help them become part of creating critical solutions," said Renee Winsky, CEO of the Tech Council of Maryland. "Maryland is the center of the cyber security sector so these students will be able to listen, learn and explore career opportunities from some of the leading security experts around."

Lockheed Martin is the provider of cyber security solutions to the Federal government.  Our solutions are designed with the right team, processes and embedded technologies to provide customers with mission resilient systems.  

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 126,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development,

manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2010 sales were $45.8 billion.

For additional information, visit our website:
http://www.lockheedmartin.com

SOURCE Lockheed Martin