Intel Science Talent Institute: One Amazing Week!

In March, the 40 Finalists travel to Washington, D.C. for a week for the 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 scholarship. While in Washington, Finalists display and present their research to the public at the prestigious National Academy of Sciences. Here Finalists explain their research to thousands of visitors, many of them important figures in the government and science 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.

Additionally, Finalists visit Washington’s historic, scientific and cultural sites . Past winners have individually met with members of Congress from their home states and the entire group has even visited with the Vice-President, First Lady, and President. On the final evening, Finalists are honored at a black tie gala announcing the top winners.

Despite all these honors, what the students say they value most is the opportunity to meet and interact with each other, their scientific peers, often for the first time. For decades, friendships and professional associations made during the Science Talent Institute continue through college and beyond.