UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Lockheed Martin, in partnership with Penn State Cooperative Extension's 4-H youth development program, announced a $50,000 grant to Smethport Elementary School for a new after-school technology program.

The Lockheed Martin grant will fund "Connecting to the Future," a Pennsylvania Rural Education Outreach project that will teach problem-solving and critical thinking skills in math, science and technology through new computer-based learning modules.

Smethport Elementary School was selected because it has a computer technology infrastructure, teachers who are comfortable with integrating technology into their curriculum and working relationships with local county extension staff.

Under the program, an after-school educator will lead fourth- through sixth-grade students in age-appropriate activities that meet state curriculum standards. Students also will complete 4-H youth development instruction in public speaking, teamwork, leadership skills and life skills.

"New technologies are important to shaping rural learning opportunities that go beyond the boundaries of place, time, provider and tradition," says Stanton D. Sloane, president of Lockheed Martin Management & Data Systems. "This program will help students develop new collaborations as they work with older youth volunteers and with Lockheed Martin and Penn State mentors." Penn State Cooperative Extension in McKean County, the 4-H youth development program and members of the community, including the Smethport School, will provide vital community coordination and support for the program.

"The program will provide students the opportunity to apply their technical skills and knowledge, enhance their education and career opportunities and contribute to their community," says Nicole Webster, Penn State assistant professor of agricultural and extension education. "They also will improve their personal skills, which are critical for everyday life."

"There is unprecedented interest in after-school activities because they can be a cornerstone to reduce the risk of negative environments that can inhibit positive development," says Marilyn Corbin, associate director of Penn State Cooperative Extension. "Parents need safe, supervised programs, and these students need a broader context for learning and enrichment."

"This program will help ensure that the needs of both parents and children can be met at the Smethport Elementary School," according to Don Tanner, Penn State Cooperative Extension 4-H and youth development agent in McKean County. "Young people deserve early and sustained investments to help them achieve a broad range of outcomes." EDITORS: Contact Nicole Webster at 814-863-2695, or by e-mail at nsw10@psu.edu.

Media Contact: Amy Griffith, Lockheed Martin (610) 354-2547; e-mail; Gary Abdullah gxa2@psu.edu 814-863-2708 814-863-9877 fax #250