Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems representatives presented a $10,000 to the Boys and Girls Club Friday.

Longtime club supporter Congressman Buck McKeon and NGAS President Tom Vice presented the award to Jim Ventress, chief professional officer at the Boys and Girls Club in front of children eager to ask questions about the aerospace industry.

“We see a lot of interest in STEM from middle school kids, now is the time to involve them,” Ventress said.

Ventress said the money will be used for everything from general operating to the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program, which teaches children how to do things such as build robots that have to follow commands such as doing figure eight or getting from point A to point B.

“We have some kids that are really up to the challenge and we just want to keep challenging,” Ventress said.

Ventress added that kids in the science club do everything from learn about gasses to making propeler planes that they fly outside.

McKeon said the club, which hosts kids ages 7-17 years old, does a fantastic job of helping children progress.

“If you were to gather all of the kids who are now probably leaders at local communities or wherever they have ended up, I am sure they have accomplished much greater things because of their ability to go to the Boys and Girls Club,” McKeon said.