Broadcom Foundation Announces Semifinalists in Fourth Annual Broadcom MASTERS Middle School STEM Competition

IRVINE, Calif. and WASHINGTON, Sept. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

News Highlights:

• 300 semifinalists selected to compete in fourth annual Broadcom MASTERS® — the nation's most prestigious Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) competition for middle schoolers
• Semifinalists hail from 36 states and Puerto Rico—71 of the semifinalists are from California, followed by Florida with 31, Texas with 22, Oregon with 19 and Pennsylvania with 14
• 30 finalists to be named September 17— competition takes place October 24-28 and first place winner receives $25,000 in Washington, D.C. on October 28

Broadcom Foundation and Society for Science & the Public (SSP) today announced the selection of 300 students as semifinalists in the fourth annual Broadcom MASTERS^® – the nation's most prestigious Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) competition for middle school students. Semifinalists' names and a state-by-state breakdown can be found at http://www.broadcomfoundation.org/masters/semifinalists/2014 or student.societyforscience.org/broadcom-masters-2014-semifinalists.

The Broadcom MASTERS (Math, Applied Science, Technology and Engineering for Rising Stars) rewards and inspires sixth, seventh and eighth grade students to follow their personal passion in science or engineering and continue their studies in math and science throughout high school. The students are introduced to the scientific method and engineering process through science fair competitions and hands-on challenges which teach them the 21^st century skills of critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity by focusing on Project-Based Learning and teamwork in their areas of interest.

"Now in its fourth year, the Broadcom MASTERS is enabling more middle school students of all levels to regard math and science as helping them gain the critical skills that lead to rewarding careers in STEM," said Paula Golden, Executive Director, Broadcom Foundation and Director, Community Affairs, Broadcom Corporation. "We are extremely proud of the thousands of young people who were nominated by their regional and state fairs to compete this year and applaud the 300 semifinalists who now compete for a slot as one of the 30 finalists in the 2014 Broadcom MASTERS."

Semifinalist Data Points:

• Semifinalists hail from 247 middle schools (the majority of which are public schools) in 36 states and Puerto Rico, and represent 123 regional and state science fairs across the U.S.
• 71 of the semifinalists are from California, followed by Florida with 31, Texas with 22, Oregon with 19 and Pennsylvania with 14.
• Semifinalists were selected from more than 2,054 applicants after each application received three independent readings and evaluations by distinguished scientists, engineers and educators. Nominees qualified to enter the Broadcom MASTERS by being among the top 10 percent of the participants at their SSP-affiliated science fairs.
• Semifinalists' independent research projects include a broad range of topics such as:
  • Muddicity: Generate Electricity from Dirt
  • What Factors Affect the Accuracy of GPS?
  • The Effects of Sound Stimuli on Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs
  • Using Wettability to Develop Reusable Freezer Bags
  • Creating a Space Flight Simulator Program
  • The Future of Bluetooth Low Energy
  • Can Fish Play Soccer?
  • The Mathematics of Lawn Irrigation
• The 30 Broadcom MASTERS finalists will be announced on September 17. Finalists will receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., October 24 – October 28 to showcase their science fair projects and compete in a four-day STEM competition for awards and prizes, including the top education award of $25,000 presented by the Samueli Foundation.

"SSP joins Broadcom Foundation in congratulating these extraordinary students for their hard work and dedication," said Maya Ajmera, President and Chief Executive Officer of Society for Science & the Public and Publisher of the Science News family of media properties. "This year's semifinalists were selected from the largest number of Broadcom MASTERS applicants ever. These students should be proud of their accomplishments and inspired to continue their hands-on scientific and engineering research."

Sponsored by Broadcom Foundation, a nonprofit public benefit corporation funded by Broadcom Corporation, the Broadcom MASTERS is a program of Society for Science & the Public. SSP has run some of the world's most prestigious science competitions for more than seven decades.

As a semifinalist, each student will receive an award ribbon, semifinalist certificate of accomplishment, Broadcom MASTERS backpack, a one year family digital subscription to Science News magazine, and a one year subscription to Mathematica+, courtesy of Wolfram Research. In recognition of the role teachers play in the success of their students, each semifinalist's classroom will receive a collection of Sally Ride Science Career Books courtesy of Deloitte.

For more information on the Broadcom MASTERS, visit the Broadcom Foundation and SSP websites or visit Broadcom Foundation's Newsroom and read the B-Inspired Blog. To keep up with the Broadcom MASTERS on Twitter, use hashtag #brcmMASTERS or follow Broadcom and SSP. And to stay connected, visit the Broadcom MASTERS and SSP Facebook pages.

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. 

About Broadcom

Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ: BRCM), a FORTUNE 500® company, is a global leader and innovator in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications. Broadcom® products seamlessly deliver voice, video, data and multimedia connectivity in the home, office and mobile environments.  With the industry's broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art system-on-a-chip solutions, Broadcom is changing the world by Connecting everything®. For more information, go to www.broadcom.com.

About Society for Science & the Public

Society for Science & the Public is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization dedicated to the achievement of young researchers in independent research and to the public engagement in science. Established in 1921, its vision is to promote 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, Society for Science & the Public is committed to inform, educate, and inspire. Learn more at www.societyforscience.org.

Broadcom®, the pulse logo, Connecting everything®, the Connecting everything logo and Broadcom MASTERS® are among the trademarks of Broadcom Corporation and/or its affiliates in the United States, certain other countries and/or the EU. Any other trademarks or trade names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE Broadcom Corporation; BRCM Broadcom Foundation