OREANDA-NEWS. February 10, 2017.  HughesNet®, America's #1 choice for satellite Internet service from Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), and National 4-H Council today announced their STEM partnership has been named a Bulldog Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Silver Award winner. With a shared passion for STEM, HughesNet and National 4-H Council have partnered to inspire the next generation of scientists, build future leaders, and power our country's competitiveness in the global economy.  

The Bulldog Corporate Social Responsibility Awards identify deserving companies and the 2017 winners were chosen exclusively by working journalists from a multitude of submissions representing the very best in the public relations and communications. All campaigns were assessed on the basis of their ability to achieve extraordinary visibility and influence opinion, as well as on their creativity, command of media, technology and tenacity.

"We are truly honored to be recognized with our partner 4-H by the Bulldog Awards for our work. HughesNet and National 4-H Council share a passion for STEM education," said Peter Gulla, senior vice president of marketing at Hughes. "Access to quality STEM education should be available to all youth, wherever they live. Kids all across the U.S. should be exposed to STEM. We are working to spark interest in STEM for future leaders by bringing hands-on STEM learning to the communities we serve. Not only is it important for the development of our youth, but it's also important for our country's future."

With over 1 million active users, HughesNet is the nation's leading high-speed satellite Internet service, reaching local communities supported by 4-H. The HughesNet/4-H partnership began in 2014, introducing American youth to hands-on, community-based STEM learning. Since then, the events HughesNet and National 4-H Council conducted together have provided hands-on STEM content to more than 100,000 youth across the country each year. Included among them has been 4-H National Youth Science Day (4-H NYSD), the world's largest youth-led science challenge; the 4-H Youth in Action STEM Pillar Award; STEM days at local 4-H camps; and career exploration programs for National Engineers Week.

"It is an honor to be recognized as a Bulldog Corporate Social Responsibility Silver Award winner for our partnership with HughesNet," said Artis Stevens, chief marketing officer at National 4-H Council. "We pride ourselves on our ability to work with our partners to make a positive impact on the lives of young people across the country, and we are thrilled that our work with HughesNet to inspire future STEM leaders is being recognized in such esteemed company."

About Hughes Network Systems
Hughes Network Systems, LLC (Hughes) is the global leader in satellite broadband for home and office, delivering innovative technology solutions and a comprehensive suite of HughesON™ managed services for enterprises and governments worldwide. HughesNet® is the #1 high-speed satellite Internet service in the marketplace, with offerings to suit every budget. To date, Hughes has shipped more than 5 million systems to customers in over 100 countries, representing approximately 50 percent market share. Its products employ global standards approved by the TIA, ETSI and ITU organizations, including IPoS/DVB-S2, RSM-A, and GMR-1.

Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, Hughes operates sales and support offices worldwide, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS), a premier global provider of satellite operations and digital TV solutions. For additional information about Hughes, please visit www.hughes.com.

About EchoStar
EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS) is a premier global provider of satellite and video delivery solutions. Headquartered in Englewood, Colo., and conducting business around the globe, EchoStar is a pioneer in secure communications technologies through its EchoStar Satellite Services, EchoStar Technologies and Hughes Network Systems business segments. For more information, visit echostar.com. Follow @EchoStar on Twitter.

About 4-H
4-H, the nation's largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for career tomorrow. 4-H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation's Cooperative Extension System and USDA, and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3,000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4 H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4 H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.