Hawaii Student Excellence in Science, Engineering Celebrated

Online, March 26, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Hawaii and the nation have seen renewed focus on the fields of science and engineering as key to future success. But the Hawaii State Science and Engineering Fair has been committed to the cause for more than half a century.

The HSSEF is the oldest and largest science education program in Hawaii, today reaching more than 7,000 students across the state. Over 600 students - representing public, private and home schools - participate in the premier event, competing for significant prizes and awards.

WHO: Hawaii Academy of Science
WHAT: 55th Hawaii State Science & Engineering Fair
WHERE: Hawaii Convention Center
WHEN: April 2-4, 2012 (Free & Open to the public on April 4th, 8:00am-7:30pm, Awards Ceremony starts at 4:00pm)

"It's exciting to talk with students about the work put into their science fair projects, as these kids are bright, inquisitive, and our future leaders," said Kerry Kakazu, President of the Hawaii Academy of Science. "In this age of global competitiveness it is reassuring to see our young students embracing science and tackling tough problems."

The fair, taking place April 2-4, 2012 at the Hawaii Convention Center, is the primary activity of the Academy. Last year was the largest event yet, showcasing 487 projects from 76 public, private, and home schools from across the state.

HSSEF embodies President Barack Obama's challenge to America in his State of the Union address. "We need to teach our kids that it's not just the winner of the Super Bowl who deserves to be celebrated, but the winner of the Science Fair," he said. "The future is ours to win. But to get there, we can't just stand still. We need to out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build the rest of the world."

Select winners of the state fair along with projects selected at district competitions will compete in the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF), one of the most prestigious student science competitions in the world. This year, the international event will be held May 13-18, 2012 in Pittsburgh, Pa., again offering students over $4 million scholarships and prizes, and the opportunity to interact with leading scientists and engineers around the world.

Two Hawaii students placed in the Grand Awards at the ISEF last year, distinguishing themselves among over 1,500 other high school students from 65 countries.

The state science fair is a collaborative effort, and could not happen without the dedication of many sponsors and hundreds of volunteers. The Academy welcomes inquiries on sponsoring, judging, volunteering, and mentoring. Visit hawaiiacademyofscience.org, or call the Academy office at (808) 956-7930.

About the Hawaii Academy of Science

The Hawaii Academy of Science (HAS) is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1925. The mission of the HAS is to promote scientific research and education in Hawaii and the Pacific Region. For more information, visit hawaiiacademyofscience.org.