Intel is committed to helping students achieve academic success as they prepare to compete for jobs in the global economy. Intel’s specific goals are to improve science and mathematics education in K–12, enable teachers to use technology effectively in the classroom to improve student learning, broaden access to technology, and encourage females and minorities to enter technical careers.
K–12
Intel supports K–12 education in Pierce and Thurston counties through funding for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs, with a particular interest in programs targeting females and minority students. Intel also provides equipment grants to public schools through its Technology for Schools Program and encourages employee volunteer support of education through the Intel Volunteer Matching Grant Program.
Volunteer Matching Grant Program (VMGP)
Under the Volunteer Matching Grant Program, the Intel Foundation donates USD 200 in unrestricted funds for every 20 hours of Intel employee volunteer service at a school or qualified education activity. Public and private schools are eligible to receive matching grants. Washington employees reported 1,260 volunteer hours in 24 schools, resulting in USD 12,600 in VMGP donations for the 2006–2007 academic year.
Grants
Cash grants are given to programs that advance science, math and engineering education. Recent grant recipients and programs:
Pacific Lutheran University to host the South Sound Regional Science Fair
Tacoma/South Puget Sound MESA (Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement) to support the Mathletes program
UW-Tacoma for its Math Science & Leadership summer enrichment program
Washington State LASER to support inquiry-based science education
YWCA of Olympia for its Girls Without Limits! after-school program
Technology for schools
Intel makes donations of new computer equipment to K–12 public school districts through its Technology for Schools grant program. These equipment grants promote the use of technology as a learning tool in support of science, math and engineering education. Recent recipients include the Bethel School District and Yelm Community Schools to support introduction of pre-engineering programs.
Intel International Science and Engineering Fair
The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) is the world's largest pre-college science competition. It provides an opportunity for the world's best young scientists to come together to share ideas, showcase cutting-edge research projects, and compete for over USD 4 million in awards and scholarships. More information.
Intel Science Talent Search
The Intel Science Talent Search (Intel STS) is the United States' oldest and most prestigious science competition for U.S. high school seniors. Karl Plank of Squalicum HS in Bellingham was an Intel STS finalist in 2005. Jolene Mork of Shorewood HS in Seattle was an Intel STS finalist in 2006. More information.
Higher education
Intel’s goals in higher education are to promote breakthroughs in technology, to further technology research and development, and to interact with the best and brightest students and faculty around the world. Intel has a tradition of supporting focused research in technology through grants to a targeted group of universities, including the University of Washington. More information.
Matching gifts to education
Intel Foundation will match qualified employee contributions to any accredited school in the United States that is either a four–year college or university, technical or community college, K–12 school (elementary or secondary), school or university foundation (must have 501(c)(3) status). Both publicly funded and private nonprofit independent schools are eligible.
