February 20, 2001

Raytheon contributes $10,000 to NAU Astronomy Program

$10,000 literally is going to the stars at Northern Arizona University thanks to the Raytheon Corporation.

Part of the money will be used to purchase a trailer to be converted for use in the American Indian Mobile Educational
Resources program (AIMER). Computers with astronomy programs will be installed in the trailer, which is taken to various
schools on Native American reservation lands.

Barry Lutz, chair of the NAU physics and astronomy department, said, "AIMER is a way to introduce science ideas to Native
American junior and high school students."

Part of the Rayethon contribution will be used for modifying the electrical system in the trailer and installing a heavy-duty
generator. Special computer tables and storage compartments also will be added.

The AIMER program has been very successful in providing physics, astronomy and engineering experiences to Navajo and
Hopi schools on the nearby reservations, reaching nearly 2,000 students each year.

"Our $10,000 contribution for the AIMER effort is part of our on-going college relations program," said Christopher J. Todd,
with the Raytheon education program. "We strongly support the development and continued education of Native American
students to continue on to college, and AIMER has been one of the best methods to accomplish this goal."

"Raytheon's contribution will allow us to keep abreast of technology development and improvements and deliver first rate
science and engineering experiences to underserved rural areas such as the Native American reservations," Lutz said.