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The Intel Science Talent Search (Intel STS), a program of Society for Science & the Public (SSP) is the nation’s most prestigious science research competition for high school seniors. Since 1942, first in partnership with Westinghouse and since 1998 with Intel, SSP has provided a national stage for the country's best and brightest young scientists to present original research to nationally recognized professional scientists.
The Intel STS encourages talented U.S. high school seniors to pursue independent research in science, math, engineering, and medicine. Seven alumni of the program—the nation’s oldest and most highly regarded pre-college science contest—have been selected as Nobel Laureates.
Over eight decades, more than 130,000 students from U.S. high schools in all 50 states and territories have completed independent science research projects and submitted entries. Each completed entry consists of a written description of the student's independent research, plus an entry form that elicits evidence of the student's excellence and accomplishments. Over 2,800 finalists have received more than $11 million in awards to support their college educations, and thousands of semifinalists have received millions more.
SSP receives generous support from the Intel Corporation and the Intel Foundation to present the program and awards for the Intel STS. We are honored that Intel has recently agreed to continue its support as the sole sponsor of our Intel STS program through 2016.
Contact us for more information about the Intel STS.
In March, the 40 finalists travel to Washington, DC for the Intel Science Talent Institute. On the basis of interviews with the judging panel and presentation of their research, 10 top award winners are selected, including the top winner who is provided a $100,000 award. While in Washington, finalists display and present their research to the public at the National Geographic Society. Here finalists explain their research to thousands of visitors, many of them important figures in the government and scientific communities, promoting independent, inquiry-based science research. Each year, younger, highly-motivated students who plan to enter the Intel Science Talent Search during their senior year are inspired at this public exhibition.
Are you an STS alumnus? Visit our Alumni Page to reconnect with SSP and former participants.
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