300 U.S. High School Seniors Named Semifinalists in Intel Science Talent Search 2012
WHEN: Noon PST, Jan. 11
WHAT: Three-hundred seniors will be named semifinalists in the Intel Science Talent Search 2012, a program of Society for Science & the Public. Visit https://www.societyforscience.org/sts at noon PST for more information on each semifinalist.
As the nation’s oldest and most prestigious pre-college science competition, the Intel Science Talent Search brings together the best and brightest young scientific minds in the United States to compete for $1.25 million in awards. Each semifinalist receives a $1,000 award from the Intel Foundation with an additional $1,000 going to his or herschool, resulting in $600,000 in total semifinalist awards.
WHO: Semifinalists were selected from 1,839 entrants – the most the competition has seen in over a decade, and a 5 percent increase overthe total number of 2011 applicants. They hail from 180 high schools in 28 states and the District of Columbia, and from one American high school overseas. To learn about specific semifinalists and view a state-by-state breakdown, visit the above link after noon PST on Jan. 11.
NEXT STEPS: On Jan. 25, 40 of the 300 semifinalists will be named as finalists. They will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. from March 8-13. There, they will compete for more than $630,000 in awards provided by the Intel Foundation. Winners will be selected based on rigorous judging sessions and announced at a black-tie gala award ceremony at the National Building Museum on March 13. The top award is $100,000; the remaining top 10 will receive awards totaling $305,000.
Quotes:
“Math and science are the foundations of innovation, which propels society forward through the development of new ideas, products, companies and jobs,” said Wendy Hawkins, executive director of the Intel Foundation. “The Intel Science Talent Search encourages high schoolstudents to embrace and explore their interests in these subjects, and pursue paths that may lead to solving the world’s most pressing issues.”
“With their dedication and achievement in disciplines ranging from environmental science to bioengineering, the 300 Intel Science Talent Search 2012 semifinalists have distinguished themselves as the nation’s top young researchers,” said Elizabeth Marincola, president of Society for Science & the Public, the nonprofit organization dedicated to public engagement in scientific research and education that has owned and administered the Science Talent Search since its inception in 1942. “Together with Intel we congratulate these exceptional students and commend the mentors, teachers, schools, parents and communities that have contributed to their success.”
MORE INFO: The Intel Science Talent Search encourages students to tackle challenging scientific questions and develop the skills to solve the problems of tomorrow. Projects submitted for consideration cover all disciplines of science, including biochemistry, chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering, behavioral science, and medicine and health.
Over 70 years, more than 144,000 students from U.S. high schools in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and many territories have submitted independent research projects for the Science Talent Search. 2012 marks Intel’s 14th year sponsoring the Science Talent Search.
In the past, the young innovators chosen to participate in the Science Talent Search have received some of the world’s most prestigious honors. For example, Science Talent Search alumni have gone on to win seven Nobel Prizes, two Fields Medals, three National Medals of Science, 11 MacArthur Foundation Fellowships and even an Academy Award for Best Actress.
Over the past decade alone, Intel and the Intel Foundation have invested more than $1 billion, and Intel employees have donated close to 3 million hours toward improving education in more than 60 countries. To get the latest Intel education news, visit www.intel.com/newsroom/education, and join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.
To learn more about Society for Science & the Public (SSP), visit www.societyforscience.org, follow SSP on Twitter at www.twitter.com/society4science, or visit SSP’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/societyforscience.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Gail Dundas, Intel
503-264-2154, gail.dundas@intel.com
Rick Bates, Society for Science & the Public
202-872-5136, rbates@societyforscience.org
Allison Kubota, North of Nine Communications, for Intel
415-268-4806, allison.kubota@nof9.com