Nation's Top High School Innovators Met with President Obama to Discuss the Importance of Math and Science

The nation's top high school scientists met with President Barack Obama today to discuss their views on the role of math and science education in solving some of today's most important global challenges as part of the 2009 Intel Science Talent Search, a program of Society for Science and the Public.

• Intel Science Talent Search Finalists Offered Ideas for Engaging Young People in Solving Global Problems

The 40 students, who were chosen from more than 1,600 applicants, are in Washington, D.C. to compete for more than a half a million dollars in scholarships and prizes, including a grand prize of $100,000. This year, the finalists represent 17 states and 35 schools.

"What's cool is that President Obama is really on board in terms of supporting science education," said Intel Science Talent Search finalist Aniruddha Deshmukh from Cupertino, Calif., "He said he's supporting policies that would increase funding towards science and education programs on a very large scale in the U.S. That's really key."

"Last month, Intel announced a $7 billion multi-year investment in innovation. Today's meeting between President Obama and our Intel Science Talent Science finalists demonstrates how important investment in education is in fueling innovation," said Shelly Esque, Vice President, Legal and Corporate Affairs for the Intel Corporation. "These incredible young scientists are positive proof that investment in science and math education will play a critical role in stimulating the next generation of ideas and lifting our economy."

The Intel Science Talent Search encourages students to tackle challenging scientific questions and develop the skills necessary to solve the problems of tomorrow. Over the past 67 years, Science Talent Search finalists have gone on to win seven Nobel Prizes, a Fields Medal, the National Medal of Science and a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship.

Society for Science & the Public (SSP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the public engagement in scientific research and education, has owned and administered the Science Talent Search since its inception in 1942.

Intel believes that students everywhere deserve to have the skills necessary to become the next generation of innovators. Intel's commitment to education extends far beyond Intel Science Talent Search. Over the past decade alone, the company has invested more than $1 billion, and its employees have donated more than 2.5 million hours toward improving education in 50 countries. The Intel Science Talent Search is jointly funded by Intel Corporation and Intel Foundation.