Intel Science Talent Search, a program of Society for Science & the Public, is America's oldest and most prestigious pre-college science competition. Every year, roughly 1,600 U.S. high school seniors enter the Intel Science Talent Search with original science projects. Forty finalists, representing the best and brightest young scientific minds in America, go on to compete for over USD 1.25 million in awards and scholarships.

Improving math and science education

Seeking to highlight the need for improved math and science education in the United States, Intel assumed the title sponsorship of the Intel STS in 1998—a move that supported Intel's larger goal of enabling students on the path to innovation.

Over the past 69 years, former Science Talent Search finalists have achieved some of the world's most prestigious academic honors. Seven 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.

Prizes

In 1999, Intel increased the annual awards and scholarships from USD 207,000 to USD 1.25 million.

Awarded prizes include:

• The grand-prize winner receives a USD 100,000 four-year scholarship
• The second-place winner receives a USD 75,000 scholarship
• The third-place winner receives a USD 50,000 scholarship
• The fourth-place winner receives a USD 40,000 scholarship
• The fifth-place winner receives a USD 30,000 scholarship
• Sixth- through seventh-place winners each receive a USD 25,000 scholarship
• Eighth-through tenth-place winners each receive a USD 20,000 scholarship
• Remaining 30 finalists receive a USD 7,500 scholarship

Each finalist receives:

• An all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C.
• An opportunity to meet with government officials, including the President or Vice President of the United States
• A chance to interact with leading scientists and display science project research at the National Academy of Sciences