Lockheed Martin bestowed a $1.5 million grant on the University of Central Florida to establish a Cyber Innovation Lab in Orlando, Florida. The lab will foster the next generation of cyber talent. Lockheed Martin employs more than 2,200 UCF graduates in Orlando.

The company also presented a $300,000 check to Valencia College to support a second advanced manufacturing training program that will help cultivate the talent pipeline in the community. This will be a three-year long grant to the school starting in 2018.

According to company officials, Lockheed Martin business in Orlando is at the forefront of the aerospace and defense industry in developing technologies related to electro-optics, sensing, mission systems, training and technology. Strong partnerships with educational institutions and STEM programs in the community ensure the next generation will advance these technologies to support our nation well into the future.

"With major contract wins over the past several years, we've been able to add additional employment opportunities and economic stability to the area," said Michael Williamson, vice president, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "Orlando is a tremendous place for us to continue to grow and solidify our roots, offering viable, high-paying jobs for the incredible STEM talent we're seeing from local universities and beyond."

"Developing the latest technology to support our nation, fostering the next generation of talent and growing the economy are our top priorities," said Amy Gowder, general manager and vice president of Lockheed Martin's Training and Logistics Solutions line of business. "Continued growth and success of our Orlando business is made possible by the hard-working men and women who produce, develop and test critical technology and components that are vital to our national security."

"After more than 60 years in our community, Lockheed Martin continues to develop some of the most advanced technology in the industry right here in Orlando, employing 8,000 of our residents and consistently contributing to our economy and our community," said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. "We are grateful for Lockheed Martin's commitment to growing our talent pipeline through partnerships with both University of Central Florida and Valencia that will ensure we meet our future workforce needs while also cultivating our community's next generation of scientists, technologists and engineers to work in the high quality careers of tomorrow at a company like Lockheed Martin."

"Lockheed Martin's presence in Orlando began more than 60 years ago with America's launch into the space race, establishing the region as a dominant player in developing advanced technologies that positively impact our nation," said Tim Giuliani, president and CEO of Orlando Economic Partnership.