Three-Hundred Young Scientists to be Honored as Semifinalists in the Intel Science Talent Search 2010

4 p.m. EST Jan. 13

Three-hundred seniors from 175 high schools across the country will be named semifinalists in the Intel Science Talent Search 2010, a program of Society for Science & the Public. As America's oldest and most prestigious pre-college science competition, the Intel Science Talent Search brings together the best and brightest young scientific minds in America 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 respective school, resulting in $600,000 in total semifinalist awards.

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.

Semifinalists were selected from 1,736 entrants, up from 1,608 last year, and hail from 37 states and the District of Columbia. To learn about specific semifinalists and view a state-by-state breakdown, visit www.societyforscience.org after 4 p.m. EST.

On Jan. 27, 40 of the 300 semifinalists will be named finalists and will gather in Washington, D.C. from March 11-16 to compete for more than $630,000 in awards from the Intel Foundation. The 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 16. The grand prize is a $100,000 award; the remaining top 10 will receive awards totaling $305,000.

"We believe that fostering a passion for math and science in today's youth is imperative for America's future success as a leader in innovation," said Shelly Esque, vice president of Intel's Corporate Affairs Group. "The 300 Intel Science Talent Search semifinalists recognized today exemplify what is possible when young people are encouraged to apply math and science to solving today's most challenging problems."

"Each year we continue to be impressed by the caliber of the semifinalists and inspired by their mastery of math and science in addressing extraordinarily complex medical, technological and environmental challenges," 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. "We join with Intel to congratulate these exceptional young minds and commend the mentors, teachers, schools, parents and communities that have contributed to their success."

Intel believes that young people are the key to solving global challenges, and that a solid math and science foundation coupled with skills such as critical thinking, collaboration and digital literacy are crucial for their success. Over the past decade alone, Intel has invested more than $1 billion, and its employees have donated more than 2.5 million hours toward improving education in 50 countries.

Over the past 69 years, more than 140,000 students from U.S. high schools in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories have submitted independent research projects for the Science Talent Search. The young innovators chosen to participate in the Science Talent Search have gone on to receive some of the world's most prestigious honors, including the Nobel Prize, the Fields Medal, the National Medal of Science and the MacArthur Foundation Fellowship.

2010 marks Intel's 12th year sponsoring the Science Talent Search.

To view ongoing updates about the Intel Science Talent Search 2010, join the Facebook group at www.facebook.com/pages/Inspired-by-Education/32855637280 and follow Twitter updates at www.twitter.com/intelinspire.

To learn more about the Intel Education Initiative, visit www.intel.com/education and the CSR@Intel blog at blogs.intel.com/csr. To join Intel's community of people sharing their voices for change in global education, visit www.inspiredbyeducation.com.

To learn more about Society for Science & the Public, visit www.societyforscience.org.

Gail Dundas, Intel
503-264-2154, gail.dundas@intel.com

Rick Bates, Society for Science & the Public
202-872-5136, rbates@societyforscience.org

Heather MacKinnon, Burson-Marsteller, for Intel
415-591-4127, heather.mackinnon@bm.com