Grant from The Lemelson Foundation Inspires Young Inventors

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Society for Science & the Public received a $94,928 grant from The Lemelson Foundation to expand innovation and invention initiatives aimed primarily at middle school students. This funding will support the development of an 18-article series, published in Science News for Students (SNS), each year from 2016 through 2018. Focusing on innovation and invention, this series is designed to further inspire young minds to impact the world through science and engineering. A resource for students, parents and educators, SNS is a free online publication that connects the latest in scientific research on multiple topics to both in and out-of-classroom learning.

In addition, the Lemelson Award for Invention will be presented to a Broadcom MASTERS finalist annually through 2018. This award will grant $7,500 to a young inventor creating promising solutions to real-world problems. The Broadcom MASTERS (Math, Applied Science, Technology, and Engineering for Rising Stars), a national competition for 6th- 8th grade students, is designed to inspire and encourage the nation's young scientists, engineers and innovators. Finalists are nominated by placing in the top 10% of their Society-affiliated science fair, then complete an online application, and are selected from among more than 2,000 entrants to present their research projects on the national stage and compete for awards.

"The world needs creative thinkers armed with a strong background and skill set in STEM," said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of Society for Science & the Public and publisher of Science News. "Middle school is the ideal time to reach students, as they are beginning to form decisions about their educational and career paths, and inspire them to pursue their natural inclinations toward invention and innovation. We are proud to partner with The Lemelson Foundation to further expand our reach to this age group."

The Society's partnership with The Lemelson Foundation will support, encourage and inspire middle school students interested in problem solving and positively impacting society through inventive thinking.

"As we think about the major challenges the US and the world faces now and in the future, there is a critical need and opportunity to equip and celebrate a new generation of inventors. This means cultivating students who have a strong STEM knowledge base, but most importantly, are able to think critically, identify real-world problems and have the creative confidence to turn their ideas into solutions," said Carol Dahl, Executive Director of The Lemelson Foundation. "This partnership is a great opportunity to recognize and support young inventors who want to use their passion for problem solving and invention to create lasting impact."

About The Society:
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 the Society and its work, please visit societyforscience.org or follow on Facebook and Twitter.

About The Lemelson Foundation:
The Lemelson Foundation uses the power of invention to improve lives, by inspiring and enabling the next generation of inventors and invention-based enterprises to promote economic growth in the US, and social and economic progress for the poor in developing countries. Established by prolific US inventor Jerome Lemelson and his wife Dorothy in the early 1990's, and led by the Lemelson family, to date the Foundation has provided or committed more than $185 million in grants and Program-Related Investments in support of its mission.

CONTACT: Sarah Wood, [email protected], 202-872-5110

SOURCE Society for Science & the Public

Related Links

http://www.societyforscience.org