Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)

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2007 EPIC Award Recipient

THE SECRETARY OF LABOR'S OPPORTUNITY AWARD honors one Federal contractor each year that has established and instituted comprehensive workforce strategies to ensure equal employment opportunity.

Raytheon Company, with 2006 sales of $20.3 billion, is a defense contractor and industrial corporation specializing in defense, homeland security, and other government markets throughout the world. Raytheon is composed of six major business divisions: Integrated Defense Systems; Network Centric Systems; Intelligence and Information Systems; Missile Systems; Space and Airborne Systems; and Raytheon Technical Services Company, LLC. With a history spanning more than 80 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration, and other capabilities in the areas of sensing, effects, command, control, communications, intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. Headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.

Innovative EEO Programs

Diversity at Raytheon is about fostering inclusiveness by providing an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and empowered to perform at a peak level, regardless of the many ways people are different, including but not limited to age, race, gender, sexual orientation, family history, or physical ability.

Talent Retention and Acquisition

Diversity is a key component of Raytheon's talent retention and acquisition strategy. A variety of educational programs are utilized to inform employees about why diversity matters to Raytheon's culture and business and how to achieve it in the workplace. The company also supports partnerships like the Tuskegee Pipeline Initiative and National Defense University Partnering Strategy.

Rdiversity Initiative

The Rdiversity Initiative aims to build relationships and enhance employee understanding about cross-cultural differences. The initiative began with the "Rdiversity Summit" which replaced the company's usually scheduled Women's Forum and Diversity Forum. The theme for the summit was "Creating Full Diversity Partnerships - It Takes All of Us." Participants explored topics such as organizational culture, power and privilege, participated in discussion groups after the training to reinforce learning. This annual company event is designed to illustrate the power of an inclusive culture, enhance internal support for diversity, and help participants become change agents.

Employee Resource Groups/Diversity Council

Raytheon embraces numerous Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). ERGs offer a forum where people can build networks and share dialogue. In addition to helping individuals meet their personal goals, the groups work to help the company achieve its business objectives. The Diversity Council is a strategic initiative overseen by a twenty-member body consisting of a partnership between senior leaders and representatives of the ERGs. This body meets monthly to guide the activities of the following groups: Raytheon Asian Pacific Association, Raytheon American Indian Network, Raytheon Black Employee Network, Raytheon Hispanic Employees Association, and Raytheon's Women's Network.

Communications

Raytheon believes the key to inclusiveness is open communication. The company launched an extensive advertising campaign in 2004 to inform business partners, employees, potential job candidates, and the media about Raytheon's commitment to diversity. A new campaign will be launched in 2007.

MathMovesU

Raytheon's MathMovesU program is an innovative initiative designed to engage middle school students in math by illustrating the connection between math, their passions and interests and "cool" careers. The focal point of the program is the MathMovesU.com website, targeted towards students. The goal of the website is to stimulate interest in everyday math through compelling and relevant content and prize winning contests and events. Raytheon is committed to raising awareness around the nation's decline of math and science skills. MathMovesU program grants $1 million annually to teachers, students, and schools.

Community Outreach

Raytheon makes extensive outreach efforts, especially in the recruitment of persons with disabilities. Outreach has been developed with Gallaudet University, The National Resource Center (for the Disabled), Clark University, and the Rochester School for the Deaf. Raytheon sponsored and participated in 28 local and 22 national diversity conferences and job fairs.