An Important Investment in Our Children and Our Community

At an uplifting ceremony attended by more than one hundred students of all ages, Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Ray Conner announced an exciting investment in the future of our children here in Washington state. The Boeing Company is providing $15 million to create the Boeing Academy for STEM Learning at the Museum of Flight, a vigorous, new STEM-focused education initiative that aims to double the number of students served by its immersive programs over the next two years -- particularly from communities under-represented in STEM fields -- and connect them to fulfilling, in-demand careers.

Research shows change is needed, and Boeing is committed to being part of the solution. Washington state leads in creating STEM jobs, but by 2017 an estimated 45,000 STEM jobs in Washington will go unfulfilled due to lack of qualified candidates, according to Washington STEM, a non-profit organization advocating for increased investment in STEM education.

"This is an opportunity to invest in our children and in our region's future economic health and growth," said Ray Conner, president and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We want Washington kids to be prepared for jobs in Washington companies. Boeing is committed to serving underrepresented areas of the community and we are proud to partner with The Museum of Flight to help inspire students to reach new heights."

The Boeing Academy for STEM Learning at the Museum of Flight will:

• Significantly expand STEM opportunities for Washington's youth from kindergarten through college.
• Double by 2017 — and double again by 2019 — the number of students served.
• Ensure that at least half of those students will be young women, students of color or economically disadvantaged, which makes it possible for young people across the spectrum of our community to develop their talents and share in the promise of a better future.

We've all heard a lot about STEM education in recent years. That's because jobs related to science, technology, engineering and math represent the future. Now, The Boeing Company is pleased that with this investment, we will be able to expand the pipeline of diverse, talented young STEM professionals in Washington, and open new pathways to the future for the children in our state.