Honoring Efforts to Enhance K-12 Science and Math Curriculum, National Semiconductor Wins Silicon Valley Business Journal Award

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Nov. 5, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- National Semiconductor Corp. (NYSE: NSM) has won the Silicon Valley Business Journal's Corporate Philanthropy Impact Award. The award acknowledges National's efforts to enhance science and math curriculum, particularly through the company's long-standing partnership with the Santa Clara Unified School District (SCUSD).

Over 15 years, National has provided grants to SCUSD, Resource Area for Teaching (RAFT) and the Santa Clara County Office of Education to train teachers with a goal of enhancing hands-on science and in-classroom technology initiatives. The company recently funded a $300,000, three-year "Power of Education" grant for a SCUSD pilot program focused on providing literacy-infused science curriculum for the district's third-through-eighth-grade classes. Since the grant's inception in 2008, SCUSD has seen significant increases in student achievement with California Standards Test (CST) science scores improving 11 percent in the elementary grades and 17 percent in middle school.

"We can make science come alive by combining it with a literacy element and hands-on projects in the classroom. And, by focusing on teacher training, project materials, and ongoing support, we believe that's where we can have the greatest impact," said Joan Scott, National's director of Community Relations.

Enhancing science and math education is one of National's key philanthropic focus areas. The company has funded literacy-infused science projects in Maine and "Generation Science" programs in Scotland, locations where the company has manufacturing facilities. Recent projects included sponsoring a traveling tour that teaches science through interactive presentations; professional development, materials and mentoring in life sciences for fourth- and fifth-grade teachers as well as providing teacher training and high-tech probes to help chemistry teachers bring excitement and real-world tools to their classrooms.

National has long valued its community outreach efforts through its Community Care Program. The company, which has consistently ranked on the Business Journal's list of top philanthropists, established its charitable foundation as a donor-advised fund through the Community Foundation of Silicon Valley and has provided over $7 million in grants locally since 2000.

Last year, National's Santa Clara, Calif.-based employees dedicated 7,500 volunteer hours to projects benefiting non-profit organizations and schools. They also participated in fundraising efforts benefiting charities including the Family Giving Tree, Second Harvest Food Bank and the American Cancer Society. Despite the economic downturn, National's Silicon Valley employees have significantly increased their charitable contributions in fiscal 2010, resulting in a 40 percent to 50 percent improvement in fundraising totals over 2009 levels.

National employs 1300 people at its Santa Clara campus and has 5,800 employees worldwide. Founded more than 50 years ago in Danbury, Conn., the company established its Silicon Valley presence in 1967. National is a world leader in analog integrated circuits, particularly power management technology, which enable electronic systems to be more energy efficient and have better portability, vivid displays and clearer audio.

About National Semiconductor

National Semiconductor is a leader in power management technology. Known for its easy-to-use analog integrated circuits and world-class supply chain, National's high-performance analog products enable its customers' systems to be more energy efficient. Headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., National reported sales of $1.42 billion for fiscal 2010. Additional information is available at www.national.com.

SOURCE National Semiconductor Corp.