Arizona Science Center Named New Host Organization For The Arizona Science And Engineering Fair

PHOENIX, Sept. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Arizona Science Center is taking the reins of the Arizona Science and Engineering Fair (AzSEF), established in 2007 as a state-wide science competition for grades 5-12. The 2014 AzSEF will take place March 31 through April 2.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130923/AQ84070LOGO )

The Arizona Technology Council Foundation has served as the Fair's lead for the past four years, overseeing a period of significant growth in both participation and project quality.

"With its focus on inspiring, educating and entertaining people of all ages about science, Arizona Science Center is in perfect alignment with Arizona Science and Engineering Fair's mission and goals," said Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council. "The Arizona Technology Council Foundation is proud of the role it has played in helping AzSEF reach its current level of success and will continue to enthusiastically support its outreach and expansion."

"Arizona Science Center is well suited to lead the Arizona Science and Engineering Fair in its mission of supporting and providing guidance to students and teachers throughout Arizona and ensuring the continued availability and vitality of this state-wide celebration of scientific inquiry," said Chevy Humphrey, president and CEO of Arizona Science Center.  "Every day, we provide the opportunity for youth and adults alike to achieve new heights of excellence and appreciation for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and the Fair is a natural extension of that effort."

Each year schools throughout the state select their most notable scholars to present their research at AzSEF and be recognized for their efforts. Winners are represented at the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF), the world's largest international pre-college science competition. Phoenix served as the host city for ISEF in 2013 where AzSEF students from Hamilton High School in Chandler, BASIS in Scottsdale and University High School in Tucson went on to win awards for their projects in biochemistry, medicine, and health. Phoenix will serve as the ISEF host again in 2016 and 2019.

To ensure the effort has the dedicated team required to achieve its goals, AzSEF will come under the leadership of the professional learning and development department at Arizona Science Center. 

"Arizona Science Center is the place to come for STEM teaching and learning," said Dr. Sharon Kortman, vice president of learning at Arizona Science Center. "We are excited about combining ongoing professional learning and development for educational leaders, teachers, and students with a culminating demonstration of the research, knowledge, and practices gained through the learning process."

Arizona Science Center has hired Jennifer Gutierrez as Professional Learning Specialist and within this role she will be director of AzSEF. Gutierrez will be responsible for facilitating AzSEF's success, including student and teacher participation, community involvement, and the recruitment of judges, as well as providing professional development for educational leaders and teachers through the offerings provided through the professional learning and development department. Gutierrez has had years of success bringing winning teams to AzSEF and ISEF, and was the chairman of the Local Arrangements Committee for Intel ISEF in 2013.

About the Arizona Technology Council Foundation
The Arizona Technology Council Foundation is dedicated to further promoting and growing technology in Arizona through the raising of funds, leadership, collaboration and innovation.  The Foundation is home to Science, Engineering, Technology and Math (STEM) programs including the Arizona SciTech Festival and the Arizona Middle School Science Bowl. In addition, the Foundation is home to the Tech Terra Recycling program in partnership with Westech Recyclers, providing a resource for Arizona Technology Council members to have their older computer and electronic equipment picked up and recycled throughout the year at no cost.

About the Arizona Science Center
The mission of Arizona Science Center is to inspire, educate and entertain people of all ages about science. The purpose of the professional learning and development department is to advance educational leadership, quality teaching, and parent & community engagement for student learning.

The Center, located at 600 E. Washington Street in downtown Phoenix, features more than 300 hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, the state-of-the-art Dorrance Planetarium and a five-story IMAX® theater. For more information, visit www.azscience.org or call 602-716-2000.

SOURCE Arizona Science Center