Prescott, Ariz., /Orlando, Fla., Aug. 22, 2011 – Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has awarded scholarships totaling $20,000 to the EmpowerEd Scholars Program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU). Scholarships will be awarded to four students attending the university’s school in Prescott, Ariz., and to four students at the campus in Daytona Beach, Fla.

The EmpowerEd Scholars Program is open to accomplished high school seniors who are interested in pursuing a degree at ERAU. The EmpowerEd program is committed to the advancement of underrepresented students in aviation, aerospace, scientific, business, communications and related fields. In addition to scholarship support, students also have access to Embry-Riddle’s First Class Program, which provides mentors and tutors to students to ensure their success while they are in school.

“Supporting the EmpowerEd Scholars Program is important to Lockheed Martin. It allows students who normally are not be able to pursue technical degrees for financial reasons to follow their dreams,” said Jim Derr, Director of Lockheed Martin IS&GS-Civil’s Flight Services.

Lockheed Martin Flight Services manages the Federal Aviation Administration’s Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS) contract, which assists general aviation pilots. “The EmpowerEd Scholars program is a good fit for us because Lockheed Martin is committed to education in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), and ERAU is a leader in S.T.E.M. and education in the science, practice, and business of the world of aeronautics and aerospace. We know this first-hand – 185 of our newest Flight Services employees are Embry-Riddle graduates,” Derr added.

“This is a phenomenal opportunity to build on the long-time partnership Embry-Riddle has enjoyed with Lockheed Martin,” said Bernadine Douglas, associate vice president of University Development. “Lockheed Martin’s support of this scholarship program will help Embry-Riddle advance its mission to prepare students, whatever their background, for leadership roles in the 21st century workplace.”
Lockheed Martin operates six flight service stations nationwide for the FAA that are staffed by specialists who provide services to pilots 24/7. Services include preflight and in-flight meteorological and aeronautical briefings, in-flight communications, and search and rescue support. Flight service specialists also develop, translate, process and coordinate aeronautical, meteorological and aviation information, such as Notices to Airmen (known as NOTAMs).

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 $45.8 billion. For additional information, visit our website: http://www.lockheedmartin.com

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the world’s largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, offers more than 30 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in its colleges of Arts and Sciences, Aviation, Business, and Engineering. Embry-Riddle educates students at residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Fla., and Prescott, Ariz., through the Worldwide Campus at more than 150 locations in the United States, Europe, Asia, Canada, and the Middle East, and through online learning. For more information, visit www.pr.erau.edu.