Prestigious Science Talent Search Begins First Year with Intel Corporation as New Sponsor

Technology Leader Increases Awards and Commits to Growth Taking Premier Science Competition into the 21st Century

Washington, D.C., Nov. 1, 1998 -- The Science Talent Search (STS), a 57-year-old institution often considered the "Nobel Prize" science competition for U.S. high school seniors, is being sponsored for the first time in 1999 by Intel Corporation. The company's goal is to build on the long history of the prestigious program by increasing the number of high school students and teachers involved and using technology more effectively to move this "national treasure" into the 21st century.

For 57 years, Science Service, under the leadership of Westinghouse Electric Corporation, has administered the Science Talent Search. Science Service is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., that has for the past 75 years promoted public understanding and appreciation of science through publications, outreach programs and science education programs.

The Science Talent Search has spurred improvements in science education and encouraged high-level research among the young, helping turn students fascinated by scientific investigation into scientists. The Intel Science Talent Search provides a respected forum where students can complete high-level research projects, national recognition, and visibility at some of America's top universities, and significant financial assistance. Many of these students work with leading research teams at universities, hospitals and private laboratories.

Broadening the Reach of a National Treasure
The Science Talent Search has traditionally attracted the majority of applicants from the East Coast and fewer applicants from the West Coast. Since the competition's inception in 1942, New York has sent 33 percent of the 2,282 finalists.

One of the ways Intel and Science Service hope to broaden participation by students throughout the United States is through the distribution of the 1998 Directory of Science Training Programs for Teachers and Students. The new directory of more than 300 science training programs is the only comprehensive catalog of science, mathematics and engineering enrichment programs for pre-college students and teachers. Through training programs in a wide variety of scientific disciplines at a variety of institutions, students gain valuable knowledge in their fields and conduct research that could be later submitted to the Intel Science Talent Search.

Intel's First Year
While keeping the tradition and heritage of the Science Talent Search, Intel will be increasing the total scholarships awarded to finalists from $205,000 to $330,000 through a grant from the Intel Foundation. From the pool of initial applicants, 300 students will be selected as semifinalists; judges will select 40 finalists to participate in the Science Talent Institute in Washington, D.C., where they compete for awards and scholarships. The top prize will be a $50,000 four-year scholarship; the second-prize winner receives a $40,000 scholarship and the third-prize winner receives a $30,000 grant. Fourth- through sixth-prize winners receive $20,000 each; seventh- through 10th-prize winners each receive $15,000. The other 30 finalists each receive a $3,000 scholarship award.

Throughout the week of the Science Talent Institute (STI), students will have access to high-performance PCs in the "CyberCenter" to create their own Web pages on the Internet and send e-mails to their friends and family. Students will join Nobel Laureates, Intel executives and representatives from agencies such as NAS and NSF at a variety of venues including a Congressional Reception and dinner at the National Academy of Science on March 5 where Ted Hoff, the inventor of the microprocessor and inductee to the Inventor's Hall of Fame, will address the students. In addition, Craig Barrett, chief executive officer and president of Intel, will deliver the keynote speech at the Banquet and Awards Dinner on March 8.

Science Service is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., that has for the past 75 years promoted public understanding and appreciation of science through publications, outreach programs and science education programs. For more information on Science Service and the Intel Science Talent Search, see www.sciserv.org.

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