Face challenges with math, science, says Intel

WASHINGTON, D.C: Intel Corporation is committing $120 million over the next 10 years to stimulate more interest among youth in mathematics and science, so that they will be prepared to address global challenges in innovative ways.

The funding from the Intel Foundation for its long-time science competition partner, Society for Science and the Public (SSP), supports the company’s historical commitment to the Intel Science Talent Search and Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, said a press release.

The support also adds a robust youth outreach program plus an online science community and science fair alumni network which includes a mentoring component.

Intel’s new commitment, announced today at the US News and World Report Education Summit, was coupled with a national challenge to states to send more young people to the science competitions that support tomorrow’s innovators.

“I can’t think of a more critical time to invest in math and science education,” said Will Swope, Intel’s vice president and general manager, Corporate Affairs Group.

He said the foundation will work with districts, schools and teachers around the world to help get students excited and engaged in math and science, which according to him provide the foundation for innovation.

ISEF 2008 India participants were selected through IRIS (Initiative for Research and Innovation in Science) - a program conducted in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, Intel and CII, the release added.

This initiative is the merger of Intel’s “Intel Science Talent Discovery Fair” and DST’s “Steer the Big Idea”. Out of the contingent of eight students from India, a majority of whom were from non-metros, seven won coveted awards in categories ranging from Electrical and Mechanical Engineering to Environmental Management, besides individual team projects, it added.

International student participation in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, which is currently at about 30 per cent, will be increased in part through an outreach program with student research programs at its core, the release added.

SSP owns and has administered the Science Talent Search since its inception in 1942 and International Science and Engineering Fair since 1950.

Elizabeth Marincola, president of SSP, said, "This remarkable commitment by Intel, and its longstanding partnership with SSP, advances substantially our goal to promote science education and to engage the public in science, on which the health of our nation and the global community depend."

The $120 million is the largest single commitment in the history of the Intel Foundation.