(Town of Dickinson, NY) – The upcoming 10th annual Southern Tier Scholastic Science Fair (STSSF) is just around the corner. With the applications due on March 5, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell) and Broome Community College (BCC) are encouraging students to sign-up. She was joined at a news conference today to promote the STSSF by BCC President Dr. Kevin Drumm, BCC Health Sciences Dean Dr. Andrea Wade and Katharine Hankin, a nursing student who participated when she was in high school and will serve as a judge this year.

“Not only is the science fair is a great way to encourage students to pursue the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, it also recognizes their hard work,” said Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell), the Chair of the Legislative Commission on Science and Technology. “By supporting the education and development of students in the STEM fields, we are preparing the next generation of doctors, engineers, inventors, scientists and teachers.”

The STSSF is dedicated to encouraging students of the Southern Tier of New York State to pursue and excel in scientific and technological inquiries through individual science projects. The fair provides a forum for developing academic skills, such as conducting an independent scientific investigation, writing research papers, speaking, preparing an organized display, and becoming familiar with the scientific method. In addition, the event is intended to foster awareness, appreciation, and recognition of the importance of science to career opportunities, academic achievement, and lifelong success in a technological society. The main goal is to motivate students in grades 5-12 to pursue their interest in science, math, and engineering by providing a forum for display of their projects and recognition at a regional level.

The STSSF is sponsored by the Triple Cities-NY Chapter of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society, the Learning for Life Organization, the Central New York Area Health Education Center (CNY-AHEC), Time Warner Cable, Lockheed Martin, BAE, Endicott Interconnect Technologies and Broome Community College. Awards will be presented to the winning students, and all students will receive certificates of participation. Special awards will be offered by community and professional organizations.

Additional information and a downloadable registration form available on our website at http://bccsciencefair.wordpress.com.