Science & Technology
Science and Technology
Science and Technology
Wed, January 19, 2011
Tue, January 18, 2011
MEMC Supports Next Generation of Scientists and Science Advocates
MEMC Supports Next Generation of Scientists and Science Advocates -- ST. LOUIS, Jan. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --
MEMC Supports Next Generation of Scientists and Science Advocates
Generous Contribution Will Benefit 50,000 Students and Rescue the Academy of Science-St. Louis Science Fair
ST. LOUIS, Jan. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Academy of Science-St. Louis announced today key donor support from O'Fallon, MO-based MEMC Electronic Materials (NYSE: WFR), for the Academy and one of the largest regional science fairs in the country. Following national media coverage on the financial plight of science fairs around the country, MEMC, a world leader in semiconductor and solar technology, committed to support the Academy and the 60 year-old Academy of Science-St. Louis Science Fair over a multi-year period.
MEMC's support, along with that of longtime sponsor, Monsanto Fund, sustains the Fair and enables it to distribute more than $40,000 in scholarships to students in middle and high school. The contribution will also support the scientific thinking of students as young as kindergarten.
"The timing is spectacular," said Mary Burke, Executive Director of the Academy. "Abstracts for rigorous, authentic science were dropped off today for the February Honors Fair and schools throughout the region have begun to sign-up online to send their top projects to the K-12 Fair this spring."
"For many, alternative energy is the answer for America's future, and MEMC is at the forefront of that movement," said MEMC's head of Research and Development, Dr. Shaker Sadasivam. "But to succeed, we need the children of today to understand and participate in creating solutions for the challenges of tomorrow. Our support of the Academy of Science-St. Louis and its Science Fair will help more than 50,000 students in St. Louis-area schools to prepare for careers in the science and technology that will be needed in the future."
The Academy of Science-St. Louis Science Fair is the cornerstone event of a year-long series of initiatives to inform and engage the next generation of scientists and science advocates. Free community programs for students and teachers help frame the important science issues, present career paths in science and technology, and reward science inquiry at every level. The annual Science Fair offers exciting recognition of the resulting student achievement.
About the Academy of Science
The Academy of Science-St. Louis is an independent non-profit organization formed in 1856 to promote the understanding and appreciation of science. Funded entirely by donations from the public, the Academy realizes its mission through the Forest Park BioBlitz, Scientists in the Classroom, Junior Academy of Science, Future Trek:Science Careers, Science Seminars and recognition of Outstanding St. Louis Scientists. More than 1500 science professionals from public, private and academic sectors actively participate in Connecting Science and the Community. For more information visit [ www.academyofsciencestl.org ].
About MEMC
MEMC is a world leader in semiconductor and solar technology. MEMC has been a pioneer in the design and development of silicon wafer technologies for 50 years. With R&D and manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Europe and Asia, MEMC enables the next generation of high performance semiconductor devices and solar cells. Through its [ SunEdison ] subsidiary, MEMC is also a developer of solar power projects and a worldwide leader in solar energy services.
MEMC's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "WFR" and is included in the S&P 500 Index. For more information about MEMC, please visit [ www.memc.com ].
SOURCE Academy of Science - St. Louis
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