CNO Attends Ribbon-cutting for Pennsylvania MESA Program

PHILADELPHIA (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony recognizing the national award-winning Math Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) initiative in Pennsylvania at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, Aug.27.

The Navy, Temple University and Penn State Advanced Research Lab partnered with Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter's office to allocate resources and build community support for a strong kick-off for the program and ensuring its success in the future.

More than 50 students from Philadelphia participated in the initial session of Pennsylvania MESA effort.

Roughead spoke about the Navy's ability to have a global impact due to a strong educational foundation and its' continued efforts to stay on the forefront of technological advances.

"We believe in the future. We believe in the ability to influence things. That's what we as a Navy do," said Roughead. "We all also work in innovation that lives at the highest level of technology."

CNO said the education provided from MESA will open opportunities for the students with in both the armed services and in the private sector.

"You can be whatever you want to be (in the Navy). And most importantly, you are able to take the passion that you have, that knowledge that you have and use it to do good," said Roughead.

Roughead encouraged the students to always take their education to a higher level and continue to live life passionately.

"Pursue your dreams, don't give up and reach for the stars because you can do it," said Roughead.

Mayor Nutter also stressed the importance of education and the vital role it plays in national security.

"Education should be considered part of the national defense for the United States of America," said Nutter. "If we are to be strong, if we are to survive, if we are to make progress, not only in our country but around the world, we must support education."

The MESA initiative is a license awarded to the state of Pennsylvania which helps enrich each student's education in conjunction with their respective primary schools.

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