SUNNYVALE, Calif., Nov. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, a major business area of the Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT),  received a 2011 Community Impact Award from the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal for the company's commitment to improving math and science education during a Nov. 3 Corporate Philanthropy Awards ceremony in Santa Clara.

Lockheed Martin was recognized for its long-standing support of the Bay Area-based Industry Initiatives for Science and Math Education (IISME) that brings together industry and education to improve the quality of science, math and technology instruction in local schools.

A key IISME initiative is its Summer Fellowship Program that places teachers in local companies to augment their skills in solving real-world challenges and then inspire their students once they return to the classroom. Lockheed Martin has sponsored a total of 334 teacher fellowships over the past 27 years.

"Like most companies in the Silicon Valley, Lockheed Martin relies on a talented team of scientists and engineers with innovative skills to deliver our products," said Kevin Bilger, a Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager who serves on IISME's senior advisory council. "Our industry partnership with IISME is a long-term investment to inspire and educate our nation's next generation of engineers and technologists. We're honored to receive this prestigious recognition from the Business Journal."

In addition to IISME, Lockheed Martin supports other educational ventures in Santa Clara County. Employees volunteer in the classroom to excite students in kindergarten through high school about careers that have their foundation in science, technology, engineering, and math. They also support after-school robotics competitions and entrepreneurship programs that develop competitive skills.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company designs, manufactures and operates a full spectrum of advanced-technology systems for national security, civil and commercial customers. Products include human space flight systems; a full range of remote sensing, navigation, meteorological and communications satellite systems; observation and interplanetary satellites; ballistic missiles and missile defense 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's 2010 sales from continuing operations were $45.7 billion.

Media Contact:

Lauren Wonder, 408.756.4225; e-mail, lauren.e.wonder@lmco.com

SOURCE Lockheed Martin