Society for Science & the Public and Broadcom Foundation sign multi-year sponsorship extension for Broadcom MASTERS®

WASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Society for Science & the Public today announced that Broadcom Foundation extended its sponsorship of the Broadcom MASTERS (Math, Applied Science, Technology, Engineering, and Rising Stars) for an additional six years. The Broadcom Foundation has been the title sponsor of the Broadcom MASTERS since 2011.

Broadcom MASTERS is a competition for sixth to eighth grade students designed to inspire and encourage young scientists, engineers and innovators to continue with STEM studies into high school. In the past five years, approximately 30,000 nominations to the program have been issued and more than $500,000 in awards has been distributed to finalists and schools throughout the United States. The finals of the competition have been held both in Silicon Valley, CA and in Washington, DC, providing students with diverse hands-on challenges and experiences.  

The Broadcom MASTERS International program began in 2012 to provide a unique opportunity for middle school students from around the world who participate in SSP-affiliated science fairs. Broadcom MASTERS delegates from approximately 20 countries participate in a weeklong STEM leadership immersion program during the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair, where they also participate as official Student Observers. Broadcom MASTERS International has received recognition from Ministries of Education and renowned STEM leadership throughout the world.

"We are thrilled to announce the extension of our relationship with the Broadcom Foundation. They have been an excellent corporate partner and we look forward to continuing to grow and enhance the Broadcom MASTERS program," said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of Society for Science & the Public and Publisher of Science News. "As a student who became interested in scientific research while in middle school, I understand how important it is to support an interest in STEM for this age group, and the Society is appreciative of Broadcom's commitment and support to this goal."

In addition to the opportunity to win awards for further education, research and STEM summer camp experiences, Broadcom MASTERS finalists have had the opportunity to meet with President Obama, be interviewed by national media, and discuss their research interests and career plans with professionals from leading STEM organizations. Many Broadcom MASTERS alumni have gone on to compete in the Society's additional educational competitions, the Intel Science Talent Search and the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

"The Broadcom MASTERS has made it possible for us to enter the international conversation about the importance of project-based learning in STEM education, and capitalize on the increasing awareness that middle school is a pivotal age for a young adult to find a subject or activity they love and follow this passion into college and career choices," says Paula Golden, President and Executive Director, Broadcom Foundation and Director, Community Affairs, Broadcom Corporation. "It is their inspiration that motivated our foundation board to extend its sponsorship, enabling Broadcom MASTERS to continue through SSP's 100^th anniversary in 2021."

Both the Society and the Broadcom Foundation are committed to increasing interest in STEM by encouraging hands-on research for students of all ages, not only to develop the STEM talent pipeline but to create a more scientifically literate population. Top winners of the fifth Broadcom MASTERS, held in Silicon Valley, were announced on Tuesday, October 6. View winner info at https://www.societyforscience.org/content/press-room/broadcom-masters-announces-2015-national-middle-school-stem-competition-winners. 

About Broadcom MASTERS:

To qualify for the Broadcom MASTERS, students must place within the top 10% in a SSP-affiliated science fair. Nominees then enter the competition by completing an application explaining their science project and demonstrating their use of STEM principles. After submitting the online application, 300 semifinalists are selected and 30 finalists present their research projects and compete in team hands-on STEM challenges to demonstrate their skills in critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity. The top winner is awarded the $25,000 Samueli Foundation Prize.

For more information about the Broadcom MASTERS, please visit https://student.societyforscience.org/broadcom-masters

About Society for Science & the Public:

Society for Science & the Public is one of the nation's oldest non-profit membership organizations dedicated to public engagement in science and science education. Established in 1921, the Society is a leading advocate for the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement. Through its acclaimed education competitions, including the Intel Science Talent Search, the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, and the Broadcom MASTERS, and its award-winning publications,Science News and Science News for Students, the Society is committed to inform, educate, and inspire. The Society reaches more than 15 million people online each year, has more than four million followers across its social media channels, and recognizes more than 50,000 alumni of its competitions. The Society is supported each year by about 90,000 subscribing members and donors as well as by leading corporations, foundations, and other institutions.

For more information about SSP and its work, please visit societyforscience.org or follow SSP on Facebook and through Twitter.

About Broadcom Foundation:

Broadcom Foundation was founded to inspire and enable young people throughout the world to enter careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through partnerships with local schools, colleges, universities and nonprofit organizations. Broadcom Foundation is the proud sponsor of the Broadcom MASTERS®, a program of Society for Science & the Public – a premier science and engineering competition for middle school children. The Foundation's mission is to advance education in STEM by funding research, recognizing scholarship and increasing opportunity. Learn more at www.broadcomfoundation.org. 

Contact:

Sarah Wood
[email protected]
202-872-5110

SOURCE Society for Science & the Public

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