The Northrop Grumman and the Northrop Grumman Foundation play a pivotal role in our community and have been a driving force in the Troops to Engineers program. Troops to Engineers is a specialized program at SDSU committed to assisting military-affiliated students in smoothly transitioning from military life to civilian spheres. The program guides them through an academic journey and ultimately prepares them for successful professional careers, with an emphasis on the field of engineering. In this article, Northrop Grumman, represented by Engineering Vice President Alfredo Ramirez, is dedicated to building a stronger community and advancing our society. "At Northrop Grumman, we strive to make the lives of the people in our communities better, safer, and more successful" (Ramirez). The company is also devoted to community engagement and always looks for ways to expand its reach and "support the diverse needs of the communities in which we live and work" (Ramirez). With this in mind, the union between Troops to Engineers and Northrop Grumman was a "natural fit."
For years, Troops to Engineers has stood out as a distinctive organization at San Diego State University, unwavering in its dedication to ensuring student veterans' academic and professional success. Northrop Grumman Foundation has been a highly impactful sponsor for Troops to Engineers since 2017. In the most recent year alone, the Foundation generously donated $50,000 to further support and enhance the program's initiatives. "The primary focus of the Northrop Grumman Foundation is to increase STEM educational opportunities for students so they can fill future workforce needs. Our partnership with Troops to Engineers aligns with this mission. It empowers our team to make a continued impact by helping our nation's military personnel transition to civilian career" (Ramirez). Northrop Grumman Foundation's donation has been used in many areas of the program. Josh Imes, head of the Troops to Engineers program, said, "The funds provided by Northrop Grumman Foundation are utilized in diverse ways. This includes organizing workshops and networking events crucial for professional development and career guidance. Additionally, these funds help offer specialized courses tailored to the needs of student veterans". The financial backing not only highlights Northrop Grumman Foundation's commitment to fostering educational and professional opportunities for student veterans but also signifies a meaningful investment in the long-term success of Troops to Engineers.
Northrop Grumman has also been very valuable in helping our students in the program further their careers. Historically, Northrop Grumman has facilitated connections between numerous students and hiring managers within their organization, resulting in several students securing full-time positions. "Beyond financial assistance, Northrop Grumman has shown a strong commitment to offering practical career opportunities to these students. The hiring of 15 out of the 25 graduating student veteran cohort over the past two years is a significant indicator of this commitment" (Imes). Northrop Grumman holds this cause in high regard because "more than 15,000 of Northrop Grumman's total workforce self-identify as veterans" (Ramirez). When asked further about Northrop Grumman's military connections among their employees and its importance, Alfredo Ramirez noted, "every day, we are inspired by the incredible talent and passion of this community and can better address our customer's challenges because of the invaluable knowledge and experience veterans bring to our company" (Ramirez). The company's military connection puts Northrop Grumman in a unique position to sponsor a program such as Troops to Engineers.
As a company, Northrop Grumman's principles closely mirror those upheld by Troops to Engineers. One of those core principles is "defining possible." We at Troops to Engineers believe this value ties into the core of our program and our goals for students and alumni. Alfredo Ramirez defined possible as "pushing beyond the limits of what is known or expected… It's reaching for something more for ourselves and the communities we call home" (Ramirez). We believe this mission statement can directly resonate with our military-affiliated students as they embark on this next phase of their careers. As Troops to Engineers embraces the core value of "defining possible," shared with Northrop Grumman, there is a collective commitment to pushing boundaries and reaching for greater achievements for individuals and the community they serve.
The partnership between Troops to Engineers and Northrop Grumman represents an alignment of values and shared commitment to community development through support for military-connected individuals. Northrop Grumman's dedication to positively impacting communities, fostering STEM education, and assisting veterans in their transition to civilian careers reflects a corporate ethos that extends beyond profit. The substantial financial support the Northrop Grumman Foundation provides to Troops to Engineers underscores a genuine investment in the program's mission to help student veterans excel academically and professionally in engineering. Additionally, Northrop Grumman's active involvement in connecting students with employment opportunities within the company has facilitated career growth. It exemplifies the company's appreciation for the unique skills and experiences that veterans bring to the workforce. The collaboration between Troops to Engineers and Northrop Grumman stands as a powerful testament to the transformative impact that corporate and educational partnerships can have on the lives and careers of military-affiliated students.
Correction Notice: Correction Regarding Funding for Troops to Engineers
In our article titled "Engineering Success: Northrop Grumman Fuels Veteran Success at SDSU " published on Jan. 23, 2024, we incorrectly referenced the funding source for Troops to Engineers. We received a note indicating that all references to the funding provided for Troops to Engineers should be attributed to the Northrop Grumman Foundation, not the company itself. We apologize for this factual error and are issuing this correction to rectify the mistake.
The correct information is that the Northrop Grumman Foundation provides the funding for Troops to Engineers. We regret any confusion this error may have caused and are committed to maintaining accuracy in our reporting.
We have updated the article with the correct information.
