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Generous support from sponsors funds pilot program reaching 238 schools and thousands of students in the United States and United Kingdom
Washington, DC, September 16, 2015– Society for Science & the Public launched the Science News in High Schools program this week, as part of a larger commitment to create a more scientifically literate society. More than 170,000 students and 10,000 educators at 238 schools in 21 states and the United Kingdom will gain free access to content produced by Science News. Beginning with the September 19 issue, schools participating in the program receive log-in access to the Science News website for the entire school, 10 print copies, and an online educator guide with discussion questions for each issue to help teachers incorporate the content into their lesson plans and curriculum.
For the 2015-2016 school year, Alcoa Foundation has sponsored 124 schools (118 schools in the United States and 6 in the United Kingdom); Regeneron has sponsored 85 schools (all in New York); an anonymous donor has sponsored 10 schools (all in North Carolina) and 19 schools have been sponsored by individuals. The teacher guide was funded via a Kickstarter campaign, which raised $35,751 from 331 supporters, including funds submitted online through Kickstarter and checks received directly. These sponsorships allow schools to access Science News at no cost to students, teachers, or the school district.
The goal of Science News in High Schools is to help transform how students and educators are asked to interact with science in the classroom by providing them with real-world examples, information, and inspiration. Science News, published since 1922, provides an approachable overview from all fields and applications of science and technology and is written by a staff of experienced science journalists who treat science as news, reporting accurately and placing findings in perspective.
“We intend that this program will not only help students academically by providing concrete real-world examples that bolster their classroom instruction, but also encourages them to pursue their interest in science, technology, engineering, and math,” said Maya Ajmera, President and Chief Executive Officer of Society for Science & the Public and Publisher of Science News. “We should all be concerned about creating the next generation of scientifically literate citizens.”
The Society plans to increase the number of high schools participating in the program for the 2016-2017 school year and will solicit feedback from teachers during and after the pilot year in order to improve and enhance the program.
For more information about the program, visit https://www.societyforscience.org/science-news-high-schools.
About Society for Science & the Public
Society for Science & the Public is one of the nation’s oldest non-profit membership organizations dedicated to public engagement in science and science education. Established in 1921, the Society is a leading advocate for the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement. Through its acclaimed education competitions, including the Intel Science Talent Search, the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, and the Broadcom MASTERS, and its award-winning publications,Science News and Science News for Students, the Society is committed to inform, educate, and inspire. The Society reaches more than 15 million people online each year, has more than four million followers across its social media channels, and recognizes more than 50,000 alumni of its competitions.The Society is supported each year by about 90,000 subscribing members and donors as well as by leading corporations, foundations, and other institutions.