FALLS CHURCH, Va., April 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Northrop Grumman Foundation is joining with the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) to further the conversation around international science education during the NSTA National Conference in Boston, April 3-6.

The Foundation is sponsoring a special session at the conference titled Global Conversations in Science Education, a daylong event that brings together educators from around the world to discuss issues in science education of global concern such as helping students to understand energy and how it impacts worldwide challenges. It is also underwriting costs for an annual award, the NSTA Aerospace Educators luncheon, and for 30 teachers to buy key resource materials at the conference.

As part of the Foundation's global outreach, it is providing funding for two international teachers from Australia who will receive round-trip transportation to the NSTA national conference, complimentary registration, housing for up to four nights, tickets to selected events, and meal reimbursement.

NSTA conferences offer the latest in science content, teaching strategies, and research to enhance and expand professional growth for science teachers. More than 10,000 science educators from the kindergarten through college levels are expected to attend the conference.

"Professional development is a central tactic in our efforts to give educators tools and experiences that help them increase student interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)," said Sandra Evers-Manly, president of the Northrop Grumman Foundation and vice president of Northrop Grumman global corporate responsibility.  "We're delighted to support teachers from here and abroad to attend the conference to inform an international dialogue on STEM education."

"At this conference, NSTA and Northrop Grumman Foundation will be hosting a vibrant conversation on science education in the United States and internationally," says Dr. David Evans, executive director, NSTA. "Thanks to the support from Northrop Grumman Foundation, we look forward to fostering key relationships, learning from each other, and working together to share ideas and best practices."

About NSTA

The Arlington, VA-based National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's current membership includes more than 55,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education.

Northrop Grumman and the Northrop Grumman Foundation are committed to expanding and enhancing the pipeline of diverse, talented STEM students globally. They provide funding to STEM programs that span from preschool to high school and through collegiate levels, with a major emphasis on middle school students and teachers. Northrop Grumman employees actively volunteer in support of many STEM organizations in their communities and internationally. In 2013, Northrop Grumman and the Northrop Grumman Foundation continued outreach efforts by contributing approximately $23 million to diverse STEM-related groups such as the Air Force Association (CyberPatriot), Conservation International (ECO Classroom), the REC Foundation (VEX Robotics) and the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering.

The Northrop Grumman Foundation supports diverse and sustainable programs for students and teachers. These programs create innovative education experiences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. For more information, please visit www.northropgrumman.com/foundation.

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SOURCE Northrop Grumman Corporation