4-H and Philips Team Up to Bring Science Exploration to Life for Youth

CHEVY CHASE, Md., July 9, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --National 4-H Council has received a generous gift from Massachusetts-based Philips North America in support of 4-H science programming and 4-H National Youth Science Day (NYSD).

4-H NYSD is the premiere national rallying event for year-round 4-H science programming. The event brings together hundreds of thousands of youth from across the nation to complete a single, innovative science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) related activity in an effort to spark an early interest in STEM education and careers. This year, 4-H National Youth Science Day, will be held on Wednesday, October 9 and will focus on youth exploring geospatial thinking and mapping technologies.

At the center of the 4-H/Philips partnership is an employee engagement initiative that will be implemented in several states including Kansas, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Texas and Washington through the Philip Cares community outreach program. Throughout the year, Philips employees will mentor and interact with 4-H young people at work on their science projects while also introducing 4-H'ers to their work, as well as some of the company's innovative initiatives.

"National 4-H Council is thrilled to be teaming up with Philips in this unique way," said Donald T. Floyd, Jr., president & CEO, National 4-H Council. "By supporting 4-H's efforts to bring science and technology to youth all across the country, Philips is investing in the leaders of tomorrow, helping to inspire a new generation of innovators."     

As part of the 4-H/Philips partnership, Philips employees will meet with local 4-H youth and program leaders, volunteer at 4-H clubs as speakers, and participate in science workshops. In addition, the "Philips Career Day" will give 4-H youth an opportunity to tour company offices and learn about the work of the various departments. Finally, Philips will host a 2013 4-H NYSD event at locations in each of the five states.

"At Philips, we are committed to meaningful innovation and we hope to inspire 4-H youth as they see how technology can truly transform and enrich people's lives in healthy, fulfilling ways," said Greg Sebasky, chairman, Philips North America. "By investing in the future of our youth, especially in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math, we are contributing to a healthy, sustainable future for our communities."  

About 4-H NYSD
For more than 100 years, 4-H has been at the forefront of teaching youth about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Created to combat a shortage of American young people pursuing science college majors and careers, 4-H National Youth Science Day seeks to spark youth leadership in science.

Currently, more than five million 4‑H STEM projects are completed annually in topics as varied as robotics, rocketry, alternative energy, GPS mapping, Ag science, film making and environmental science. And, through the One Million New Scientists, One Million New Ideas campaign, 4‑H reached a bold goal of engaging one million additional young people in science, engineering and technology programming before 2013. For more information on 4-H NYSD, visit www.4-H.org/NYSD.

About Royal Philips:
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2012 sales of EUR 24.8 billion and employs approximately 116,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

About 4-H
4-H is a community of seven million young people across the globe learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. National 4-H Council is the private sector, non-profit partner of 4-H National Headquarters located at the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within USDA. In the US, 4-H programs are implemented by the 109 land-grant universities and the Cooperative Extension System through their 3,100 local Extension offices across the country. Overseas, 4-H programs are active in more than 50 countries on six continents around the world.

Learn more about 4-H at www.4-H.org, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4-H or find us on Twitter at Twitter.com/4H

SOURCE National 4-H Council