Raytheon UK donates over 100 Raspberry Pi micro computers to Fife schools

Glenrothes (April 21, 2021) Raytheon UK has donated 114 Raspberry Pi micro computer starter kits to secondary schools and air cadets across Fife.

The donation is a key part of Raytheon UK’s commitment to promoting STEM learning across Scotland and the UK so that it can educate and train the younger generation with valuable skills, as the business marks 60years of operating in Scotland.

The kits are set to benefit schools in spite of the challenges of the ongoing impact of Covid-19 restrictions on education in Scotland, with those that have remained open to support learning for key worker families during the pandemic amongst the recipients.

Local schools receiving the devices include Auchmuty High School, Balwearie High School, Beath High School, Bell Baxter High School, Dunfermline High School, Glenrothes High School, Glenwood High School, Inverkeithing High School, Kirkcaldy High School, Levenmouth Academy, Lochgelly High School, Madras College, Queen Anne high School, St Andrew’s RC High School, St Columba’s RC High School, Viewforth High School and Woodmill High School.

The schools have maintained STEM learning activities throughout lockdown thanks to a range of virtual initiatives. Raytheon is set to continue this spirit with the launch of a virtual coding club in partnership with Fife College, allowing the region’s young people to redefine how they learn coding, engage with computer science, solve problems and express themselves creatively.

Raytheon UK is committed to investing in STEM learning and training programmes across employment sectors that help the workforce of the future close that gap.

John Gallagher, Managing Director, Scotland at Raytheon UK: “We are proud to present these game-changing devices to pupils across Fife, as part of our 60^th anniversary celebrations of being invested in Scotland. Today, we support over 1,500 jobs in the Scottish workforce and almost 200 businesses in the local supply chain, but it is incredibly important that we also play our part in fuelling future growth.

That is why this initiative is a key component in our long-term commitment to train and reskill the UK workforce, and in our work with the UK and Scottish Governments to help rebalance the economy and rebuild after COVID-19 through our Raytheon Forward Steps CSR programme. We fully believe in our responsibility to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and mathematicians so they can play a role in building a Scotland for the future.”

Ann Camus - Enterprise and Business Development Manager, Economic Development, Fife Council: “We were delighted to support Raytheon with the roll out of their Raspberry Pi kits as part of their 60th Anniversary celebrations. We have received positive feedback from schools who will use the kits to involve the young people in some fantastic STEM projects which will deepen their understanding of coding and programming languages and provide them with hands on experience of using technology they are likely to come into contact with later in their career.”

Raytheon’s site in Glenrothes employs over 550 people, providing various exciting innovative opportunities in the technology, engineering, and manufacturing industries while contributing around £130m a year to the Scottish economy.

The Raspberry Pi donation is part of Raytheon UK’s ongoing commitment to supporting and training up the next generation of engineers, scientists, and mathematicians. Raytheon UK creates and invests in programmes, such as its flagship annual Quadcopter Challenge, that help to build students’ knowledge and skills, and inspire them into a STEM career.

The business also partners with educational institutes across the UK to offer education and training in areas such as cyber, so that it can help equip the next generation with skills for the future. 

About Raytheon in Scotland

Raytheon’s site in Glenrothes employs over 550 people in highly skilled roles in engineering. 90% of our Scottish manufacturing output is exported, contributing £130m a year to the Scottish economy. In 2019, Raytheon announced that it would be opening a 130,000 square foot site in Livingston, which will design and manufacture power technology systems most commonly used for land armoured vehicles and radar.

About Raytheon UK

With facilities in London, Broughton, Glenrothes, Harlow, Gloucester and Manchester, Raytheon UK is invested in the British workforce and development of United Kingdom technology. Across the country, the company employs 1,700 people and supports over 8,000 jobs in the supply chain. As a prime contractor and major supplier to the UK Ministry of Defence, Raytheon continues to invest in research and development supporting innovation and technological advances across the country. 

About Raytheon Technologies

Raytheon Technologies Corporation is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. With 195,000 employees and four industry-leading businesses ― Collins Aerospace Systems, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon Intelligence & Space and Raytheon Missiles & Defense ― the company delivers solutions that push the boundaries in avionics, cybersecurity, directed energy, electric propulsion, hypersonics, and quantum physics. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts.

Media Contact
Raytheon UK
Sen Sami
+44 (0)1279 407600
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