Monster Announces Major 'Youth Empowerment' Initiative For 2011

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Monster, a world leader in the manufacturing of high-performance headphones and consumer electronics accessories, announced a major Youth Empowerment Initiative for 2011 at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show. The multi-tiered initiative will include a partnership with Nick Cannon and his company Ncredible Entertainment, as well as a new relationship with Dean Kamen in support of the FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics programs.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110113/NY29837)

As part of the endeavor with Nick Cannon, Monster will create a unique line of products geared towards empowering young people.  A portion of all proceeds from the sales of these products (to be introduced later this year) will go to support the TeenNick™ HALO Awards (Helping And Leading Others).

Nick Cannon commented on his new alliance with Monster for the Youth Empowerment Initiative, noting: "I've seen some amazing things happen when young people are given an opportunity. Looking forward to this partnership with Monster and increasing/continuing the support of these ordinary kids who are doing extraordinary things."

Monster will also lend its support to FIRST, a robotics foundation started by noted inventor Dean Kamen in 1989. The four robotics programs in FIRST help get students interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and are designed to help spark young peoples' interest in becoming technology leaders.

Dean Kamen noted, "Science really matters. It is how we have achieved all that we have in a relatively short time in history. But are we building a culture to ensure that we've captured the hearts and minds of the generations that follow? Will they too come to know that science is really the language of discovery, imagination and inspiration?  With Noel Lee and Monster's help, FIRST is on its way to combining youth's passion for music with a sense of the empowerment gained when you know you have an expertise that is highly regarded and sought after in a worldwide economy."

Noted Head Monster Noel Lee: "As someone who has always been fascinated by technology, science, and music, I have seen firsthand how a passion for these subjects can lead to a rich and meaningful life. Most importantly, I learned to understand how the proper support and encouragement could lead to empowerment and self-confidence, no matter what career you choose to pursue later in life.   By teaming up with an influential powerhouse like Nick Cannon, as well as technology innovator like Dean Kamen, Monster will be able to help today's young people to grow and learn and follow their passion and be motivated to make a difference."

ABOUT MONSTER

Monster was founded by Head Monster Noel Lee with a commitment to creating products under the Monster Cable^® brand to literally "make music sound better." Today, Monster has grown and diversified to become the world's leading manufacturer of advanced headphones, connectivity solutions for high-performance audio, video, car audio, computer, console and computer gaming, as well as a leading innovator in the field of iPod^®, iPhone™ and iPad™ accessories and professional audio and sound reinforcement. Explore the world of Monster at www.monstercable.com.

ABOUT the TeenNick™ HALO Awards

Nick Cannon is the creator and host of the TeenNick HALO Awards – HALO stands for Helping and Leading Others, and the awards honor ordinary teens doing extraordinary things in their communities. The teens are paired with celebrity mentors whose initiatives and interests are in line with their own. The celebrities who participated in the second annual HALO Awards were: Wyclef Jean, Ashton Kutcher, Rosario Dawson and Cannon's wife, Mariah Carey.

ABOUT FIRST®

Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H,, FIRST designs accessible, innovative  robotics programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With support from three out of every five Fortune 500 companies and more than $14 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC^®) and FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC^®) for high-school students, FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL^®) for 9 to 14-year-olds (9 to 16-year-olds outside the U.S. and Canada), and Junior FIRST® LEGO® League (Jr.FLL™) for 6 to 9-year-olds. Gracious Professionalism™ is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.usfirst.org.

SOURCE Monster