1. WORTHY Worthwhile to Help High School Youth

2. Background
In response to a growing concern around the scarcity of college students enrolling in technical programs, Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, headquartered in Baltimore, launched the WORTHY program in 1998.
The program is designed to help develop tomorrow’s technical and business leaders and encourage the pursuit of technical or business degrees by providing hands-on experience and improving access to post-secondary education.

3. Focus
The focus and primary objective of the WORTHY program is to select Albemarle County students who are challenged by their environment, available resources and support systems, yet demonstrate the academic excellence and leadership ability necessary to successfully complete college studies in engineering, science, computer science, or math.

4. Objectives
To enhance the development of future technical talent and attract students toward careers with Sperry Marine.
To establish and maintain a meaningful relationship with, and commitment to, the young people of Albemarle County.
To expose students to the process of becoming successful professionals by providing them with the opportunity to work in a corporate environment.
To provide opportunities for mentees to take on leadership roles within the company and thus become role models in their communities.

5. Eligibility
To be considered for the program, a student must be recommended by a school representative or community leader. To qualify, an applicant must be:
A resident of Albemarle County or Charlottesville City
Attending a public high school within Albemarle County/Charlottesville City limits (10th or 11th grade for the upcoming school year)
Planning to major in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Math, or Business (accounting, marketing, finance, and/or international business)
Enrolled in a college preparatory curriculum
Able to maintain a 3.0 grade point average while enrolled in the program and for at least two consecutive semesters prior to the application period
Able to acquire a Department of Defense security clearance

6. Program Details
Students visit the facility on the second Tuesday of each month
Paired with at least two mentors
Participate in annual college campus visit
Must maintain 3.0+ GPA
Optional summer enrichment
Awarded multi-year college scholarship upon completion of the program (funded by NGES)
Intern or co-op with company during college 6

7. 2008 – 2009 Timeline February Initiate communication with schools
April 15th
Deadline for mentee applications
April
Select candidates
May
Notify candidates
June – July
Recruit additional Mentors
August
WORTHY Orientation & Kickoff Luncheon
Sept – June
WORTHY Project
June
WORTHY Day