The MATHCOUNTS Foundation (www.mathcounts.org) was honored to participate in a STEM event with President Barack Obama at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. During the nationally televised address, President Obama announced a new campaign called "Educate to Innovate," which enlists companies and nonprofit groups to spend money and time to encourage students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math.
The event included business leaders from around the country, education leaders, a student robotics team from Oakton High School in Vienna, Virginia, students from Herndon High School in Herndon, Virginia, and students from Washington Mathematics Science Technology Public Charter High School in Washington, D.C. A group of MATHCOUNTS students from Longfellow Middle School in Fairfax County, Virginia and their math teacher, Vern Williams, were also in attendance.
MATHCOUNTS will play a unique role in this initiative since the organization's math-enrichment programs are designed specifically to target middle-school students, which is a key demographic of the White House campaign.
"MATHCOUNTS was honored to be asked to be a part of this important discussion. Our organization is designed to increase enthusiasm for math in middle-school students and improve problem-solving skills for our next generation of leaders," said Lou DiGioia, executive director of MATHCOUNTS.
During the event, the President recognized the students in attendance, saying "Scientists and engineers ought to stand side by side with athletes and entertainers as role models, and here at the White House we're going to lead by example. We're going to show young people how cool science can be."
More information on the MATHCOUNTS Foundation is available at www.mathcounts.org.
ABOUT MATHCOUNTS:
- To secure America's global competitiveness, MATHCOUNTS inspires excellence, confidence and curiosity in U.S. middle school students through fun and challenging math problems.
- Celebrating its 27th Anniversary, more than 6 million students have participated in MATHCOUNTS.
- The program has received two White House citations as an outstanding private sector initiative and been recognized in White House ceremonies by five presidents.
- MATHCOUNTS relies upon a national network of 17,000 volunteers.
A 501(c)(3) organization, funding for MATHCOUNTS comes primarily from its National Sponsors; Raytheon Company, National Defense Education Company, Northrop Grumman Foundation, National Society of Professional Engineers, CNA Foundation, ConocoPhillips, Pitsco Education, Texas Instruments Incorporated and 3M Foundation. MATHCOUNTS was founded by The National Society of Professional Engineers, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and CNA Foundation.
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MATHCOUNTS Participates in STEM Event with President Obama
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Contacts:
MATHCOUNTS Foundation
Archana Mehta, 703-299-9006
archana@mathcounts.org