OAS recognizes young talent in the Americas in Science and Engineering

Member States have repeatedly underscored the crucial role that Science and Technology plays in supporting development and competitiveness. On May 15, the OAS-SEDI joined the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) 2014 in Los Angeles, California, to celebrate outstanding students from the Americas for applying research in science and engineering that could potentially address development challenges in the region.  

The “Special Recognition Ceremony for Outstanding Science and Engineering Students in the Americas” awarded six outstanding projects from the region with a Special Recognition and acknowledged 44 others; honoring the students and their teacher-mentors for their potential contribution to the integral development of the region at such a young age.  

Intel ISEF is an international science competition with the participation of over 1,600 high school students from grades 9–12 from over 70 countries. Students are invited to showcase their research projects and to compete for more than 4 million USD in awards and scholarships. This year, more than one thousand projects were presented by students from the Americas, 50 of which were recognized by the OAS. .    

“It is an honor for us to partner with the OAS in identifying and recognizing the young talent across the Americas.
I am confident that these young students will become ‘ambassadors of science’ in their countries when they go back home after such an exciting week at Intel ISEF”, said Javier F. Firpo, Director of Education & CSR Programs at Intel Latin America.  

The OAS is committed to working to strengthen the capacity of citizens of the Americas in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The EducaSTEM project, for example, is a new initiative that seeks to strengthen STEM Education in the region by offering a space for knowledge sharing and cooperation.  In addition, the OAS in collaboration with Intel offers online professional development courses to teachers from all educational levels through the Educational Portal of the Americas.  

Sherry Tross, OAS Executive Secretary for Integral Development highlighted that “when we work with strong and committed partners like Intel, our ability to reinforce and promote STEM capabilities and expand opportunities to access quality education in the Americas is enhanced”. The Secretary stressed the importance of these types of efforts given that “education has the potential of transforming the region into a more inclusive and prosperous society”. 

OAS Special Recognition for Outstanding Projects Awardees

Photos: © Intel Corporation