Education & Distance Learning Enthusiasts- National Science & Technology Education Partnership Launches Gold Coast Initiative in South Florida to Advance Science and Technology Education; RadiSys

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National Science & Technology Education Partnership Launches Gold Coast Initiative in South Florida to Advance Science and Technology Education; RadiSys

PR Newswire - October 21, 2004

WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Science & Technology Education Partnership (NSTEP), the leading education foundation for the U.S. high-tech industry, today announced the launch of the Gold Coast Initiative which is designed to improve K-12 science and technology education in South Florida. Working in partnership with Florida Atlantic University College of Engineering, Palm Beach Community College, and a technology cluster of businesses, organizations and educational facilities in South Florida called the Internet Coast, NSTEP is launching the Gold Coast Initiative to bring its online technology mentoring program, TechXplore, to middle and high schools throughout South Florida. The TechXplore program and competition brings the innovation and expertise of the technology industry into the classroom to help young people build the science and technology skills that they will need to excel in the global workplace of the 21st century. RadiSys Corporation is the first company to sponsor the Gold Coast Initiative.

NSTEP'S involvement in South Florida and in other areas of the country comes at a time when changes in U.S. educational demographics, technology and the global economy are creating daunting challenges for the nation. Consider the following facts:

-- By 2010, 25 percent of the current science and technology workforce will retire

-- Less than 5 percent of college degrees currently awarded in the United States are in science or engineering

-- Investments in technology by other nations are resulting in high-tech competition for the U.S.; in 2003 for example, America fell to 10th in the world in broadband penetration

"Today, more than ever, the marriage of education and technology is necessary if we want to broaden the future career paths of today's youth while ensuring that the U.S. remains a leader in innovation," said Marie Wiggins, Director, Educational Initiatives at NSTEP. "NSTEP works to help ensure continued prosperity of the U.S. technology industry in the global economy by preparing the next generation workforce. NSTEP is excited to be working with RadiSys Corporation and the Gold Coast Initiative partners to offer TechXplore in South Florida."

Designed as a partnership between the business and education communities to develop tomorrow's technology leaders, TechXplore pairs experts from high-tech companies and other businesses with teams of students to help young people explore cutting edge technology, examine its real world uses, and understand its benefits. Teams are challenged with solving a real-world problem or addressing a quality of life issue using their sponsoring company's technology. Mentors help students link classroom science and technology concepts with real-world business issues, guide their thinking as they develop solutions, and help them gain awareness of science and technology careers. The TechXplore Gold Coast Initiative will establish more than 100 TechXplore teams in schools in South Florida this fall.

"Everywhere you look in the media, you see reports about the decline of our education system and the reality of sending jobs overseas to take advantage of the abundance of technology workers. At some point, we have to stop talking about the issues and start making changes that produce tangible results," said Fred Yentz, Vice President, Marketing and Business Development, RadiSys. "By leveraging our relationships with educators and the South Florida business community, we see an opportunity to initiate the TechXplore Gold Coast Initiative and make a positive impression on over a thousand students with respect to their interest in science and technology and related careers."

"I would like to thank RadiSys for leading this effort as the first sponsor with mentors and financial support," said Barbara Wortmann, President, NSTEP. "Our collective vision is to make this a worthwhile program available to youths throughout South Florida, with over one hundred teams participating this fall. To make this vision a reality, we need other corporate sponsors like RadiSys to help NSTEP grow the program, make a difference and help prepare our young people to be successful technology leaders of the future."

The support of local businesses and mentors for the Gold Coast Initiative will afford TechXplore student teams in South Florida the opportunity to have face-to-face interaction with their industry mentors during the course of the program year and will raise community awareness of the industry's commitment to education. Businesses interested in participating are urged to contact Amy Johnson, Director of Business Development at NSTEP, at 703-907-7407 or via email at amy.johnson@nationalstep.org.

About NSTEP

The National Science & Technology Education Partnership is a 501(c)3 non profit education organization dedicated to developing tomorrow's technology leaders by introducing young people to the innovation and excitement of technology industries. NSTEP works closely with the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) and the Alliance partners to expand the pipeline of U.S. science and technology talent. Through partnerships with leading universities, companies and non-profit organizations, NSTEP offers programs that help young people develop 21st century workplace skills and awareness of science, technology and engineering careers. By connecting today's youth to tomorrow's technologies, NSTEP is expanding minds and inspiring young imaginations to envision a future in the world of technology. To learn more about NSTEP and TechXplore, visit http://www.nationalstep.org/ and http://www.techxplore.org/.

CONTACT: Amy Johnson of NSTEP, +1-703-907-7407, or amy.johnson@nationalstep.org.

Web site: http://www.techxplore.org/

Web site: http://www.nationalstep.org/

-- By 2010, 25 percent of the current science and technology workforce will retire

-- Less than 5 percent of college degrees currently awarded in the United States are in science or engineering

-- Investments in technology by other nations are resulting in high-tech competition for the U.S.; in 2003 for example, America fell to 10th in the world in broadband penetration

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