FALLS CHURCH, Va., May 25, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC) employee Maria Sanchez received an award from the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), at their annual Conference held last month in Pittsburgh. Additionally, the company received two awards: one for the company's long time support of the NSBE organization, and another in recognition of the company's founding support of the Summer Engineering Experience for Kids (SEEK) program.

Photos to accompany this release are available at: http://media.globenewswire.com/noc/mediagallery.html?pkgid=13035

Sanchez received the Champion of Champions Award for her individual efforts and contributions to NSBE. This is only the second year that this recognition has been awarded, and Sanchez is the first person from Northrop Grumman to achieve this honor. Sanchez earned a Bachelor of Science in business management from Pepperdine University, and is currently corporate manager, conference event planning for the company's office of Corporate Responsibility.

"Maria's commitment, to the company and to NSBE, is truly exemplary," said Sandra Evers-Manly, vice president of Corporate Responsibility. "This award is a testament to her tremendous dedication and hard work."

The company received the Chairman's Award, which is the pinnacle of NSBE honors, reserved for partners serving on the Board of Corporate Affiliates, which acknowledges outstanding support for and significant contribution to the goals and accomplishments of NSBE and its members. 

Northrop Grumman was also recognized for its support of SEEK, a hands-on math and science summer learning program and competition targeted to elementary- and middle-school children. Northrop Grumman has pledged $100,000 to expand the program and committed to support an all-girls SEEK program next year. Additionally, the company has provided numerous volunteers and mentor training for several SEEK sites. For more information on SEEK: http://www.nsbe.org/seek/overview.aspx

These NSBE awards were in addition to those previously announced, for Sharon Meadows and Roy Foreman, http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_releases.html?d=250878.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

CONTACT: Margaret Mitchell-Jones
         (703) 280-2739
         m.mitchell-jones@ngc.com