Synopsys Outreach Foundation Achieves Major Science and Math Education Milestone

A select group of Santa Clara County teachers will join Synopsys executives and Foundation board members to mark the milestone at a reception on September 24, 2012 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California. The formal program will begin at 6:00 p.m. During the celebration, special awards will be presented to three teachers, one at each level of education (elementary, middle and high school), for their significant contributions to their schools and districts and their participation in the Foundation's programs serving the Santa Clara County science fair community. Each of the teachers will be honored with a donation of $1,000 to their school's science program. The Foundation will also choose one participating school in each of California's 58 counties to receive an additional donation as a way to commemorate the one-million-milestone. Schools will be chosen based on need and repeat participation in Foundation programs.

The non-profit Synopsys Outreach Foundation was founded in 1999 and annually supports more than 130,000 teachers and students developing science fair projects in all 58 counties in California. The Foundation provides financial support, science project materials and equipment, teacher training and sponsors science fairs at the school, district and county levels. Since 2000, the Outreach Foundation has served as the major sponsor of the annual Santa Clara County Science Fair, now known as the Synopsys Championship.

We're able to mark this milestone for the Foundation because of the incredible dedication of our teachers and the hard work of the students they inspire, said Gary Robinson, Synopsys Outreach Foundation president. Each science project experience builds on itself, complementing classroom instruction, sharpening 21st century workplace skills and inspiring students through a personal hands-on science experience.

Teacher Award Recipients

Gloria Hayes-Perkins will be recognized for her significant contribution to her school district as coordinator of the Cureton Elementary and Alum Rock School District science fairs. She will also be acknowledged for her participation in programs offered by the Synopsys Outreach Foundation including on-site consulting and Science Fair 101 for Parents. Hayes-Perkins was a 2011 RAFT Fellow.

Amy Brindos-Reeber will be recognized for her significant contribution to her school district as a teacher at Buchser Middle School and for the participation and success of her students at the county and state science fairs. Brindos-Reeber will also be acknowledged for her ongoing participation in programs offered by the Synopsys Outreach Foundation and for the successful participation of her students at school and district science fairs, sciberpalooza!, the Synopsys Championship and the California State Science Fair.

Bruce Kawanami will be recognized for his significant contribution to the Santa Clara County Science Fair community as a teacher and developer of the engineering curriculum at Monta Vista High School, and for his work in support of students participating in the Synopsys Championship, the California State Science Fair and Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

I am honored to receive this recognition from the Synopsys Outreach Foundation, said Bruce Kawanami, retired Monta Vista High School teacher. Participating in the science fair program not only supported my classroom curriculum but also allowed students to generate their own individual projects. As a teacher, there is nothing more fulfilling than seeing students excited about and energized by their ideas coming to fruition.