Students Challenged to Create Innovative Products Using Science & Technology

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Jan 08, 2010, 02:22 ET

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Conrad Foundation, a non-profit organization built upon astronaut Charles "Pete" Conrad's history of innovation and entrepreneurship, and Clarkson University, New York State's highest ranked small research institution, today announced a partnership to inspire high school students worldwide, to provide students opportunities to innovate in science and technology, and connect the most creative students with real-world entrepreneurial ventures. The partnership will launch as part of the 2010 Spirit of Innovation Awards program.

"We are proud to join with the Conrad Foundation to inspire our nation's students to continue to create new concepts and innovative products that will positively impact the world," said Anthony Collins, President of Clarkson University. "At Clarkson, we know that new technologies, emerging fields, and expanding career opportunities require new approaches to learning. The Conrad Foundation through the Spirit of Innovation Awards empowers high school students using this same methodology, further preparing them to have great impact in college and beyond."

"This partnership links the Conrad Foundation with a premier academic institution that echoes the values we seek to inspire in the thousands of youth that participate in our program annually," said Nancy Conrad, Chair of the Conrad Foundation. "Together, with Clarkson, the future will continue to be bright for students; their creativity combined with strong academia and leadership of Clarkson will further inspire and empower youth to change our world through technology."

As an official university partner, Clarkson will award up to 12 merit scholarships to selected high school seniors that have been a member of the Spirits of Innovation Awards Program. Recipients pursuing any major at Clarkson will receive an annual undergraduate scholarship of up to $6,000 per year for four years, adding $288,000 in value to the Conrad Awards Program for participants. The Conrad Foundation and Clarkson will also team up to host regional workshops throughout the United States designed to engage additional youth, schools, and leadership in the Spirit of Innovation Awards program.

Conrad Foundation

The Conrad Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, was built upon the legacy of Charles "Pete" Conrad to celebrate his innovative, entrepreneurial spirit. Pete's accomplishments spanned the entire history of manned space flight. Even after his passing, his legacy continues through the Conrad Foundation's programs that combine education and entrepreneurship in a revolutionary model of incentivized competition. The Pete Conrad Spirit of Innovation Award competition challenges students to create new concepts in specific fields of interest that could be taken to the commercial marketplace. Go to http://www.ConradAwards.org to learn more.

Clarkson University

Clarkson University crosses the boundaries of disciplines, nations and cultures in order for discovery, engineering innovation and enterprise to come together. As a result, faculty and graduates grasp the full impact of their calling, direct their research to the world's pressing issues and lead with confidence and distinction. One in six alumni is already a CEO or other senior executive. Located in Potsdam, N.Y., just outside the six-million-acre Adirondack Park, Clarkson is home to 3,000 students preparing for rewarding careers through 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, science, and health sciences, as well as unparalleled outdoor recreation and life experiences beyond the classroom. Go to http://www.clarkson.edu to learn more.

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SOURCE Clarkson University