...as semifinalists in the Broadcom MASTERS® — a leading science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) competition for middle school students. Semifinalists' names and a state-by-state breakdown can be found at www.broadcomfoundation.org/masters or www.societyforscience.org/masters.
The Broadcom MASTERS (Math, Applied Science, Technology and Engineering for Rising Stars) was created to reward and encourage sixth, seventh and eighth grade students to continue their studies in math and science throughout high school by igniting a passion for innovation through a unique competition that exposes them to independent research, scientific inquiry, hands-on learning and teamwork. The 300 semifinalists come from 290 middle schools in 38 states representing 117 fairs across the United States and Puerto Rico.
Semifinalists were selected from more than 1,460 applicants after rigorous evaluation and judging conducted by distinguished scientists, engineers and educators. Applicants qualify to enter the Broadcom MASTERS by placing in the top 10 percent of the participants at their SSP-affiliated science fairs and winning the nomination. The 30 Broadcom MASTERS finalists will be announced on August 29th. Finalists will receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., September 28—October 3—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.
Sponsored by Broadcom Foundation, a non-profit public benefit organization 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 eight decades. In total, Broadcom Foundation and classroom partner Elmer's® Products, Inc. will contribute more than $500,000 in prizes, awards and rebates to nominees, entrants, semifinalists, finalists, and their teachers and schools. In recognition of the role teachers play in the success of their students, each semifinalist classroom will receive a collection of Sally Ride Science Career Books.