Intel Science Talent Search 2014 Unveils 300 U.S. High School Semifinalists

WHEN:    7:00a.m. EST, Jan. 8

WHAT:    Three-hundred high school seniors will be named semifinalists in the Intel Science Talent Search 2014, a program of Society for Science & the Public. Visit http://student.societyforscience.org/intel-sts at 7:00a.m. EST to see the list of semifinalists from your area.

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 her school, resulting in $600,000 in total semifinalist awards.

WHO:    Semifinalists were selected from nearly 1,800 entrants hailing from 489 high schools in 45 states, Washington, D.C. and seven American high schools overseas. For a list of semifinalists, where they are from and what their research entails, visit http://student.societyforscience.org/intel-sts after 7:00a.m. EST on Jan. 8.

NEXT STEPS:    On Jan. 22, 40 of the 300 semifinalists will be named as Intel Science Talent Search finalists. Finalists will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. from March 6-12. There, they will compete for the top award of $100,000; second place award of $75,000; and third place award of $50,000. The remaining top 10 winners will receive awards totaling $180,000. Each finalist receives at least $7,500. Winners will be selected based on rigorous judging sessions and announced at a black-tie, invitation-only gala awards ceremony at the National Building Museum on March 11.
 

QUOTES:    “The Intel Science Talent Search honors high school seniors poised to lead the U.S. in innovation,” said Wendy Hawkins, executive director of the Intel Foundation. “Each year, these students reveal that creativity in every aspect of science, technology, engineering and math is possible, and that world-changing ideas – much like those that began companies like Intel – reside in many high schools across the United States.”

“Society for Science & the Public proudly joins Intel in congratulating each of these inspiring students,” said Rick Bates, interim CEO and chief advancement officer of Society for Science & the Public. “They are the top young researchers in the United States and we look forward to following their path toward innovation – both in their research and toward our shared future.”

MORE INFO:    The Intel Science Talent Search encourages students to tackle challenging scientific questions that support U.S. innovation, and develop skills to help solve some of the world’s greatest challenges. Projects submitted for consideration cover all disciplines of science, including engineering, mathematics, biochemistry, materials science, physics, behavioral science, and medicine and health.
    
Over 70 years, close to 148,000 students from U.S. high schools in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and many territories have submitted independent research projects for the Science Talent Search. 2014 marks Intel’s 16th year sponsoring this competition.

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 eight Nobel Prizes, two Fields Medals, five 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 4 million hours toward improving education in more than 70 countries. To get the latest Intel education news, visit www.intel.com/newsroom/education, and join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.

Society for Science & the Public (SSP), the nonprofit organization dedicated to public engagement in scientific research and education, has owned and administered the Science Talent Search since its inception in 1942. To learn more about SSP, visit www.societyforscience.org, and follow SSP on Facebook and Twitter.

MEDIA CONTACTS:  

    Gail Dundas, Intel
    503-264-2154, gail.dundas@intel.com
    
    Sarah Wood, Society for Science & the Public
    202-872-5110, swood@societyforscience.org

    Allison Kubota, North of Nine Communications, for Intel
    415-268-4806, allison.kubota@nof9.com