CHICAGO, Oct. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Boeing Company is contributing $10 million to support science education for Chicago area youth.

The donation will be split equally between Chicago's Adler Planetarium and the Museum of Science and Industry where the money will be used to create educational exhibits and programming that will inspire young people to pursue careers in areas associated with science and technology.

Rick Stephens, Boeing senior vice president, Human Resources and Administration, joined Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley in announcing the education investment during the kick-off event of Science in the City, a series of city-wide events that invite residents to experience various fields of science and raise awareness of its importance to Chicago's past, present and future. Boeing is among the sponsors of the events.

"Boeing is pleased to be able to support these two great Chicago institutions in their continuing efforts to educate, engage and motivate children to explore the world around them, and the stars above," said Stephens. "This investment will help ensure our future workforce is inspired to launch the next generation of discoveries, innovations and inventions in the areas of science, math and technology."

At the Museum of Science and Industry, Boeing's gift will help create an innovative exhibition that will invite museum guests to experience events in historical and present-day exploration. Scheduled to open in 2011, the new exhibition also will provide educational programming and information about career paths. The gift to the Adler will help fund the development of new exhibitions geared to young visitors and families as well as an endowment to support science and math education initiatives at the planetarium.

"Boeing is a long-standing leader in the areas of innovation and exploration so we are especially honored and humbled by their generous support. Their gift will have a significant impact on the Museum's vision to motivate and inspire our children to achieve their full potential in the areas of science, technology, engineering and medicine," said David Mosena, president and CEO of the Museum of Science and Industry.

"In the years ahead, the Adler will inspire the next generation of explorers," said Paul H. Knappenberger Jr., president of the Adler Planetarium. "We are especially grateful to Boeing for a commitment to motivating young people to understand the important role science and math will play in their futures."

The two contributions complete a capital investment plan in Chicago announced in 2005 with grants to The Boeing Galleries in Millennium Park and the Muntu African Dance Theatre's Performing Arts Center to be constructed in the Bronzeville neighborhood on Chicago's South Side. These capital investments complement Boeing's ongoing global corporate citizenship program in Chicago, which continues to emphasize investment in programs that focus on innovation, collaboration and diversity.

CONTACT: Karen Fincutter of The Boeing Company, +1-312-544-2872, cell,
+1-312-933-6982, karen.m.fincutter@boeing.com

Web site: http://www.boeing.com/