Intel Science Talent SearchA program of Society for Science & the Public

Recognizing excellence in science research

The Intel Science Talent Search (Intel STS), a program of Society for Science & the Public, is America’s oldest and most prestigious pre-college science competition. The event brings together 40 of the best and brightest young scientific minds in America to compete for USD 1.25 million in awards and scholarships.

Every year, roughly 1,600 U.S. high school seniors enter the Intel Science Talent Search with original science projects spanning a wide range of mathematics and science disciplines.

• Enter the Intel STS or offer support

Improving math and science education

Seeking to increase the spotlight on the need to improve math and science education in the United States, Intel assumed the title sponsorship of the Intel STS in 1998. In 1999, Intel increased the annual awards and scholarships for schools and finalists from USD 207,000 to USD 1.25 million.

Prizes

Each finalist receives:

• USD 5,000 from the Intel Foundation
• A new laptop with Intel® Centrino® Duo mobile technology
• An all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C.
• An opportunity to meet with government officials, including the President or Vice President
• A chance to interact with leading scientists and display science project research at the National Academy of Sciences

The grand-prize winner of the Intel STS is awarded a USD 100,000 four-year scholarship. The second-place winner receives USD 75,000, and the third-place winner gets USD 50,000. Fourth through sixth place winners each receive USD 25,000, and seventh through tenth place winners each receive USD 20,000.

Over the past 66 years, former Science Talent Search finalists have achieved some of the world's most prestigious academic honors. Seven former finalists have gone on to win the Nobel Prize; others have been awarded the Fields Medal, the National Medal of Science, and the MacArthur Foundation Fellowship.