Miami Gardens & St. Thomas University 3rd Annual Science And Engineering Fair

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Dec 05, 2013, 03:25 ET

MIAMI, Dec. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- St. Thomas University and the City of Miami Gardens are jointly hosting the 3^rd Annual Science and Engineering Fair December 9-10, 2013 with an increasing participation of students interested in science. City of Miami Gardens' Councilman David Williams Jr., Seat 5, originally conceptualized the event, becoming one of the beacon projects in the community. "We are committed to increasing our youth's reliance on science," said Williams. "We know that there is a widening gap between the U.S. and other countries in the area of science and engineering, for students in grades K-12. This Fair helps expose students to science, engineering, and technology components that will inspire them to seek future endeavors in these fields of study."

Students from various schools throughout Miami Gardens are preparing now for their winning projects. Participants from the Innovative Beginnings in Science (IBIS) Programs include: Golden Glades Elementary School, Crestview Elementary School, Scott Lake Elementary School, Rainbow Park Elementary School, Parkview Elementary School, Carol City Elementary School, Hibiscus Elementary School, Barbara Hawkins Elementary School, and Carol City High School. Students first submit their projects at the school level for judging. There are two requirements for participation: (1) Compete on a school level and be selected as one of the top five participants and (2) Engage male participation (father, brother, uncle, cousin, teacher, or friend) during the development, implementation, and creation of the project. The top five scoring projects at the school level will automatically be entered into the City of Miami Gardens Science and Engineering Fair for judging and ranking at the citywide level.

The event itself is set for Monday, December 9, 2013 with the Science and Engineering Fair Competition, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at St. Thomas University, 16401 NW 37th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL. We are proud to be among few US universities that offer undergraduate scientific research", says STU School of Science Dean Wim Steelant. "We will also provide attendees a tour of St. Thomas University and a first introduction to the college experience." The Fair concludes on Tuesday, December 10, 2013, with the Science Fair Awards Presentation to be held from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex, 3000 NW 199th Street, Miami Gardens, FL.

Over 100 students from schools in Miami Gardens are expected to participate for cash prizes ranging from $25 – $500; the winning potential could be $1,000 for the student and $350 for the school for the most unique project. Judges from various fields will critique student projects and the top five students will be recognized with cash prizes.

In addition to the City's presenting sponsor role and St. Thomas University's academic direction and partnership, other sponsors include: Miami Gardens Kiwanis, Miami Gardens Square One, Inc., Miami Gardens Police Department, Jessie Trice Community Health Center, Florida Power and Light, Calder Casino and Race Course, Lehman Buick, Taste Rite Jamaican Bakery, Georgia's Paradise, Miami, Miami Dolphins, The International Game Fish Association, Carol City Senior High and Dragon Fisheries. Additional sponsorship opportunities - ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 - are currently available.

For more information, or to register a child for the 3rd Annual 2013 Miami Gardens Science and Engineering Fair, contact the school principal or Councilman Williams' office at (305) 622-8062. For information of St. Thomas University programs and campus events please contact Chief Marketing Officer Marivi Prado at 305.474-6880, [email protected].

SOURCE St. Thomas University