Morgan Freeman was a junior in high school when she was part of Northrop Grumman’s High School Improvement Program.
Building STEM Leaders
From Chalkboards to Labs
By Bridie Bryant
From developing robotic vehicles in high school to becoming a software program lead at Northrop Grumman, Niko Kostas always had a passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and mentoring those around him. While attending high school at the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, Niko and his classmates had the opportunity to further expand their STEM knowledge and development through Northrop Grumman’s High School Involvement Partnership (HIP) mentorship program.
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Gaining Leadership Lessons through Military Service
After graduating high school with honors, Niko enlisted in the Maryland National Guard as a Private First Class, initially moving up in the ranks because of his academic achievements. He attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore College (UMBC) and completed the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), which allowed him to prepare for military service and develop professional skills. Upon completion of the ROTC program and his college education, Niko commissioned as an Officer in the United States Army.
“As an officer, right out of the gate you’re working side-by-side with someone who's potentially been in the military ten to 20 years,” Niko said. “I led soldiers as a brand-new officer, just out of college, and I quickly learned earning the trust of your team is key to leadership.”
When he transitioned to a civilian profession, Niko used his connections from the HIP program and his military experience to start his career at Northrop Grumman. Niko’s service and lessons in leadership inspired him to continue serving with the National Guard, while working full-time.
“The opportunity to directly help my community that I live in is important to me and Northrop Grumman has been extremely supportive of my decision to continue serving,” Niko said.
“As an officer, right out of the gate you’re working side-by-side with someone who's potentially been in the military ten to 20 years,” Niko said. “I led soldiers as a brand-new officer, just out of college, and I quickly learned earning the trust of your team is key to leadership.”
When he transitioned to a civilian profession, Niko used his connections from the HIP program and his military experience to start his career at Northrop Grumman. Niko’s service and lessons in leadership inspired him to continue serving with the National Guard, while working full-time.
“The opportunity to directly help my community that I live in is important to me and Northrop Grumman has been extremely supportive of my decision to continue serving,” Niko said.
