Last Updated: 11/17/2011*

President Obama gave Camp Reach, a Raytheon-supported STEM program, the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring, along with seven other organizations across the United States. The White House developed this award to recognize the crucial role that mentoring plays in the academic and personal development of students studying science and engineering — particularly those who belong to groups underrepresented in these fields.

Each year, Raytheon volunteers visit Camp Reach to provide career guidance and mentorship to campers, in addition to leading hands-on activities. Raytheon has provided more than $30,000 to Camp Reach since 2008.

Camp Reach, in its 14th year, is a two-week, residential program for girls entering the 7th grade, who are interested in learning more about the possibilities that can come from careers in engineering and technology. The program is run by Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Central Massachusetts. This year, 35 girls completed multiple events and activities culminating in a community design project using the engineering design process.