Intel Honors 40 Of America's Future Scientists

Intel Science Talent Search Names Teen Finalists

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 28, 2004 -Intel Corporation today announced the 40 finalists in the Intel Science Talent Search (Intel STS), America's oldest and most prestigious high school science competition. The finalists will be in Washington, D.C. from March 11 to 16 to compete for $530,000 in scholarships.

Often considered the "junior Nobel Prize," the Intel STS challenges young scientists to look beyond the classroom and begin harnessing their true passion for science, often leading to ground-breaking, post-graduate level research. Past finalists in the program hold more than 100 of the world's most coveted science and math honors, including five Nobel Prizes.

"As I look at these exceptional finalists, I see promise for the future of scientific discovery in America and hope other students follow their example to pursue scientific excellence," said Craig Barrett, Intel chief executive officer. "The decline in the production of technically skilled workers is an area of concern for Intel and our nation."

The National Science Foundation recently issued a warning on the shrinking science and engineering workforce and America's long-term need for workers with these skills, which are key drivers of the U.S. economic engine. The Intel STS encourages and rewards excellence in science and math, and inspires young people to pursue science in their secondary education and careers.

About the Finalists
The Intel STS finalists hail from 14 states and Washington, D.C. In addition to a pursuit of scientific excellence, 80 percent play a musical instrument, 70 percent are fluent in a language other than English, and 47 percent volunteer in their community. This year's diverse group of Intel STS finalists includes a critically acclaimed classical Indian dancer, a published poet, a storytelling champion and a competitive rock climber.

The most popular categories for this year's finalists are behavioral sciences, biochemistry, earth and space sciences, mathematics and medicine. The finalist's research topics include breast cancer research, the effects of estrogen replacement therapy on white and gray brain matter, a new secure method for multiple parties to communicate anonymously via the Internet and a materials handling project that increased efficiency in quarries by 20 percent.

Awards
The Intel Foundation grants more than $1 million in cash and scholarships during the Intel STS competition which includes $600,000 to semifinalists and their schools. The 40 finalists receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the nation's capital where they compete for college scholarships totaling more than $500,000 and the top scholarship of $100,000. The second-place finalist receives a $75,000 scholarship, and the third-place finalist receives a $50,000 scholarship. Fourth- through sixth-place finalists each receive a $25,000 scholarship, and seventh- through 10th-place finalists each will receive a $20,000 scholarship. The remaining 30 finalists will each receive a $5,000 scholarship award, and all students attending the week-long competition receive an Intel® Centrino™ mobile technology-based notebook computer.

Administering the program since its inception in 1942 is Science Service, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance the understanding and appreciation of science among people of all ages through publications and educational programs. Over the years, the competition has recognized more than 2,500 finalists with more than $5 million in scholarships. For more information on Science Service, visit www.sciserv.org.

Intel's sponsorship of the STS is part of the Intel® Innovation in Education initiative, a collaboration with educators around the world to improve the quality of science, mathematics, engineering and technology education to help students develop the higher-level thinking skills they need to participate and succeed in a knowledge-based economy. For more information, visit www.intel.com/education.

2004 Intel Science Talent Search Finalists
For biographies on the 40 finalists, visit www.sciserv.org/sts/63sts/finalists.asp

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