2024 Governor’s Volunteerism & Community Service Award honoree Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS), a division of HII, is a major employer in Hampton Roads with more than 26,000 shipbuilders. NNS gives back to the community by preparing underserved students for college and the workforce as part of a strategic effort to meet its critical hiring needs and strengthen the local economy.  

Through initiatives like STEM mentoring, career awareness programs, teacher internships, and experiential learning, NNS helps students build the foundational skills needed for careers in the maritime industry. These programs introduce students to the opportunities available and help them envision themselves as productive members of the community.  

With a focus on underserved populations, NNS addresses educational disparities, ensuring that more students have the tools to succeed. NNS also supports students academically through tutoring initiatives to support the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs), ensuring they are equipped with the skills needed for higher education. These initiatives create a clear pathway to college, apprenticeships, and jobs, opening doors to sustainable careers and lifelong community engagement.