OREANDA-NEWS. June 15, 2015. Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE: NOC) Laser Systems business unit has been recognized by the Orange County School District, Florida Education Foundation and Florida Department of Education for showing an outstanding commitment to improving education by partnering with local schools.

Laser Systems was among the honorees to receive a Commissioner's Business Recognition Award (CBRA) during the Florida Chamber Foundation's Annual Education and Philanthropy Summit June 9 in Tampa.

"Engaging students and keeping them interested in science, technology, engineering and math is essential to the success of our company and our country," said

Gordon Stewart, vice president, Laser Systems business unit, Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems. "We are honored to receive this recognition and look forward to continuing our partnership with area schools to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators."

Laser Systems earned this recognition as the industry force behind such initiatives as the Wekiva High School Laser Photonics Career Academy and the High School Involvement Partnership (HIP) program.

The Wekiva High School Laser Photonics Academy is a partnership among Laser Systems, Orange County Public Schools and Valencia College that has offered a laser and photonics dual-enrollment curriculum since 2009. HIP is a multiyear mentoring program through which more than 60 engineers and technologists have mentored 22 students on design-build projects over the past six years.

The CBRA program was established in 1987 by the Florida Commissioner of Education. This program recognizes businesses from around the state of Florida that have shown the most commitment, creativity and innovation in bringing about positive change to schools and school districts. Honorees are selected by each school district based on the significant impact the business partnership had on students in a particular K-12 public school or the entire district.

Prior to being honored at the Education and Philanthropy Summit, Laser Systems received recognition of this achievement from the Orange County Public Schools during the district's annual Partners in Education event in May.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.