Boeing

The Boeing Company today reinforced its support of education by announcing $2.5 million in funding for early childhood learning and science programs. The Boeing Flight to the Future grants will provide focused contributions over the next four years to improve early childhood learning and public school science programs in Washington locations where the majority of company employees live and work.

Alan Mulally, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, presented the first two Flight to the Future grants, including $900,000 through 2004 for LASER, a program which provides Leadership and Assistance for Science Education Reform.

"Washington state LASER is delighted that The Boeing Company is showing its support to a systemic, statewide effort to implement quality science education programs in all 296 school districts," said Dennis Schatz, co-director of Washington state LASER and associate director of the Pacific Science Center. "The Boeing Company has been instrumental, along with Terry Bergeson and our state legislators, for providing a national model for how to move a state forward in such an endeavor."

John Warner, Boeing senior vice president and chief administrative officer, joined Mulally in presenting $450,000 over four years to the Foundation for Early Learning.

"We are grateful to The Boeing Company for its commitment to early learning and the future of our children," said Washington's first lady, Mona Locke, who accepted the award for the foundation she chairs. "We will use this gift to fund programs that will ensure all parents and caregivers in our state have access to the information, resources and support they need to encourage learning in children from birth to age 5."

The remaining $1.15 million will be made available through 2004 as Flight to the Future grants for public schools and non-profit organizations in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Spokane counties. Warner said Boeing is targeting its existing contribution money on the areas "where we believe we can have the greatest impact on a child's future and where there are significant needs."

In addition to making Flight to the Future grants, Boeing Community and Education Relations employees also serve as "investors," partnering with the organizations that receive funds. "Just as we are creating value and working together in our own business, the Flight to the Future Awards reflect that same commitment to early childhood learning and science education," Mulally said. "The Foundation for Early Learning and LASER are excellent examples of organizations that truly are looking to the future of children, and we are delighted to join their efforts."

The Boeing Company gives more than $45 million annually to support education, health and human services, culture and the arts, and civic and environmental efforts. Last year, Boeing gave Washington K-12 programs approximately $1.6 million plus in-kind and volunteer support.

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