Last week, I sat in a meeting to review Intel’s focus on education – specifically the upcoming Intel Science Talent Search (ISTS).  We care passionately about making a difference, both from our technology and innovation as well as our passion and determination to make quality education available to students around the world.  We do more than make contributions.  Intel gets directly involved in developing and helping change policy, train teachers, offer free curricula and provide forums to stimulate and reward innovative thinking encouraging young innovators around the globe.  A little known fact is that Intel has invested in over $1 Billion in these efforts.

The review of the Science Talent Search was timely because it begins this week and culminates in an award show on March 13 to recognize the incredible young minds that participate.  The Intel Science Talent Search, a program of Society for Science & the Public (SSP), is an annual competition that identifies the nation’s most promising scientists of the future and celebrates the best and brightest young minds as they compete for one of the most esteemed honors bestowed on high school seniors in the United States.  As America’s oldest and most prestigious pre-college science competition, the Intel Science Talent Search encourages students to tackle challenging scientific questions and develop the skills to solve the problems of tomorrow.

This year almost 1900 high school students entered the Intel Science Talent Search with original research projects.  The topics ranged from mathematical, engineering, and environmental to scientific disciplines.  These projects were judged on their originality and creative thinking as well as on a broader measure of the students’ achievement and leadership, both inside and outside the classroom.  This past January, the field of entrants was narrowed to 300 semifinalists.   A total of $600,000 was awarded to the 300 semifinalists and their schools to support their science and math resources.  From the pool of 300 semifinalists, 40 finalists were selected to gather in Washington, D.C. from March 9-13 to compete for the scholarship awards.

When it comes down to it, this is more exciting in many ways than “American Idol”.  The talent, passion and brain power of these young adults is inspiring.  Yes, that could be said of both competitions.  However, in this case many of the ideas and achievements recognized in this forum will lead to even greater achievements that truly do change the world.

A few fun facts for you…

1	Number of Academy of Award recipients who are Intel Science Talent Search alums
6	Number of Science Talent Search finalists awarded the National Medal of Science or National Medal of Technology
6	Number of Intel Science Talent Search 2012 finalists with perfect SAT scores
7	Number of Science Talent Search finalists who have won the Nobel Prize
10	Number of Intel Science Talent Search 2012 finalists who serve as writers/editors on school publications
11	Number of MacArthur Foundation “Genius” grants awarded to Science Talent Search finalists
13	Number of years Intel has sponsored the Science Talent Search
14	Age of the youngest winner in Science Talent Search history
12	Number of Intel Science Talent Search 2012 finalists who are varsity athletes
29	Number of Intel Science Talent Search 2012 finalists who are musicians
36	Number of Intel Science Talent Search 2012 finalists who lead at least one school club or association (* must this be associated with the school?)
33	Historical percentage of Intel Science Talent Search finalists who have come from New York (32.9% during 1942 – 2012, 33.1% during 1942 – 2012)
7,916	Farthest number of miles traveled by a Science Talent Search finalist to the final competition in Washington, D.C.
8,400	Dollars awarded at the first Science Talent Search in 1942
1,043,000	Dollar increase in prizes awarded since Intel assumed sponsorship
1,250,000	Dollar value of scholarships and prizes awarded at the Intel Science Talent Search 2012 competition

Please encourage all students to participate in future ISTS events.  We all benefit in so many ways.