Prestigious Science Competition Honors 40 Students

Intel Science Talent Search Finalists Compete for $530,000 in Scholarships

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 30, 2002 - Intel Corporation today recognized America's next generation of scientists and engineers with the selection of 40 high school seniors as finalists in the Intel Science Talent Search (Intel STS).

"Improving science and math education is critical to sustaining America's strength in the global marketplace," said Craig Barrett, Intel CEO. "At a time when American students consistently rank below their international peers in both science and math, the Intel STS finalists defy the national trend. These students and other young people who have a solid grounding in science and math will provide tomorrow's most innovative ideas and products."

The finalists will compete in Washington D.C. from March 6 - 11 in America's most prestigious high school science competition, often considered the "Junior Nobel Prize." For a list of the 40 finalists and their biographies, visit www.sciserv.org/sts/61sts/finalist.asp.

About the Finalists
The most popular categories for this year's finalists are Physics, Behavioral Science, Engineering and Medicine. Research topics range from the study of chemicals used to improve tire hardness and heat resistance, to the use of plants for removing metal contamination. Other projects include therapies to cure or prevent diseases (such as melanoma, heart attacks, Parkinson's and Lyme disease) and exploring the difference in behavior in competitive situations when women compete with women vs. competing with men.

One-quarter of this year's finalists were born outside the U.S. - five in China, two in India and one each in Estonia, Belarus and Israel. The finalists hail from 16 states and, for the first time in this competition, Guam. The most popular college choices among the 40 finalists are Harvard (11), MIT (seven) and Stanford (four). In addition to their love of science, 62 percent read at least one foreign language fluently while 73 percent play a musical instrument and the same percentage volunteer in their community. This year's eclectic group of Intel STS finalists also includes an Elvis impersonator, a Flamenco dancer and an award-winning cheerleader.

Awards
The Intel Foundation grants over $1.25 million to students and schools during the Intel STS competition. Of this total, $600,000 is awarded to semifinalists and their schools. The 40 finalists receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. where they will compete for college scholarships totaling $530,000. The top prize is a $100,000 college scholarship. The second-place finalist will receive a $75,000 scholarship, and the third-place finalist will receive a $50,000 scholarship. Fourth- through sixth-place finalists each will receive a $25,000 scholarship, and seventh- through tenth-prize winners each will receive a $20,000 scholarship. The remaining 30 finalists each will receive a $5,000 scholarship award and all students attending the week long competition will receive a high-performance computer.

Judging
Intel STS finalists were selected based on their research ability, scientific originality, creative thinking and ability to apply science to the world around them. The research projects were reviewed and judged by top scientists from a variety of disciplines. Dr. Andrew Yeager of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center oversaw the judging process.

Background
Science Service, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance the understanding and appreciation of science through publications and educational programs, has administered the program since its inception in 1942. Over the years, STS has recognized more than 2,000 finalists with scholarships and awards. For more information on Science Service and the Intel STS, visit www.sciserv.org.

Intel's sponsorship of the Science Talent Search is part of the Intel® Innovation in Education initiative to prepare today's teachers and students for tomorrow's demands. Last year Intel and the Intel Foundation contributed $120 million towards the improvement of science and math education worldwide.

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2002 Finalists of the Intel Science Talent Search
For biographies on the 40 finalists, visit www.sciserv.org/sts/61sts/finalist.asp