Sunshine State Scholars Program Recognizes Florida
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Sunshine State Scholars Program Recognizes Florida's Top Stem Students
~ Program encourages STEM students to pursue in-state postsecondary careers ~Tallahassee, Fla., February 14, 2014 - Over the past two days, Florida's highest-achieving science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students joined their peers statewide to be honored during the 2014 Sunshine State Scholars program.
For a list of the scholars, visit Sunshine State Scholars (Word).
The two-day awards and recruitment event celebrated the accomplishments of these elite students and provided a unique venue for Florida's colleges and universities to recruit their talents. Each school district selected the top eleventh-grade STEM scholar to participate in the program.
"These students are truly remarkable and represent the future of innovation in our state," said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. "I am so pleased that Florida businesses and industries have come together to support this important program."
The Sunshine State Scholars program is hosted by the Florida Education Foundation in partnership with the Division of Florida Colleges, the State University System of Florida, and the Florida Department of Education.
Event sponsors of this year's program include AT&T, Helios Education Foundation, Universal Orlando Resorts, Atkins, Gulf Power Company, The Florida Lottery and The Mosaic Company.
"Florida's best higher education institutions and leading industries join together to honor our state's top STEM talent and introduce them to all the Sunshine State has to offer in college and career choices," said Dominic M. Calabro, Chairman of the Florida Education Foundation. "The investment we make today in these young leaders will encourage many more students to pursue postsecondary careers in high-skill, high-wage jobs that help grow Florida's economy."v
"Helios Education Foundation is committed to changing lives through education and ensuring that every student in Florida graduates college and career ready," said Paul Luna, Helios Education Foundation President and CEO. "We join you in celebrating the accomplishments of our outstanding Florida STEM scholars who will graduate academically prepared to succeed and thrive in tomorrow's globally competitive workforce."
For more information about the Sunshine State Scholars program, visit Florida Education Foundation and catch up on all the activities on the department's Twitter page.