BETHESDA, Md., Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Advancing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education is essential to the future success and sustainability of our nation's economy, national security, and scientific leadership. Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), in recognition of its STEM initiatives, has won the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Award for the 2016 Best Commitment to Education. For the past 17 years, the Corporate Citizenship Award has showcased how businesses make the world a better place through innovation, expertise, efficiency, capital, and collaboration.

Support for STEM education is an element of Lockheed Martin's Sustainability Management Plan, a strategic and forward-looking blueprint for the corporation's business model. In keeping with a strong commitment to this critical area, the company funded the pilot program for Imagine Science, which provides students with opportunities to foster curiosity and sustained interest in STEM. This initiative is a first-of-its-kind coalition that includes the National 4-H Council, Girls Inc., Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and the YMCA.

"At Lockheed Martin, we don't want to just be a force for good. We want to be a force for great. And we are doing that by engaging our nation's future innovators, creators and great thinkers through scalable STEM education platforms," said Leo Mackay, senior vice president of Internal Audit, Ethics and Sustainability for Lockheed Martin. "We're engineering a better tomorrow through our incredible partnership with Imagine Science and reaching students underrepresented in STEM fields. We are working to give bright, inquisitive minds the keys to drive the future economic and scientific engines of our nation."

In 2015, Imagine Science engaged over 4,000 students, with 77% of those children coming from low income backgrounds.

"Through 4-H's work with our coalition partners, Imagine Science is making an impact by bringing STEM to life through informal, fun and hands-on learning opportunities," said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO of National 4-H Council. "With Lockheed Martin's support, Imagine Science has the opportunity to change the lives of young people as well as grow our economy. Our goal is to give every child the opportunity to succeed through the power of STEM education."

For more information on Lockheed Martin's STEM education initiatives, visit: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/who-we-are/community/education.html.

About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 98,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140402/PH96591LOGO

SOURCE Lockheed Martin