Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) today announced its support of the USA Science & Engineering Festival, the country's first national science festival. The event will take place in Washington, D.C., in October 2010. The festival, expected to be a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary celebration of science in the United States, will offer science and engineering organizations throughout the country the opportunity to present hands-on science activities to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. Festival organizers already have engaged more than 350 participants from the nation's leading science and engineering organizations.
Agilent's involvement with the program began in the spring of 2009 with the San Diego Science Festival. The success of the San Diego festival led to a National Science Foundation grant to create a sustainable national network of science festivals. As a result of the initial venture, Agilent became an early supporter of the upcoming national festival, providing both financial and hands-on support.
As a company which relies on employees, as well as customers with strong science and engineering skills and knowledge, Agilent and the Agilent Foundation have a long history of supporting science, technology, engineering and math education, from kindergarten through the university level.
"Agilent proudly supports the USA Science & Engineering Festival to inspire today's students to become tomorrow's scientists and engineers," said Darlene J.S. Solomon, Ph.D., chief technology officer, Agilent Technologies. "By highlighting what's cool about science and engineering, the festival will provide opportunities for students to explore interesting careers and discover new areas that intrigue them. There is no shortage of important challenges facing the world today that will benefit by new engineering and scientific talent."
Solomon, who serves on the Industry Advisory Board of the USA Science & Engineering Festival, contributed to the 2009 San Diego Science Festival as one of more than 100 top scientists who shared their enthusiasm, stories and career paths with San Diego County middle and high schools.
Agilent and the Agilent Foundation work collaboratively with partners worldwide to create and support innovative and inspiring programs in science education. The USA Science & Engineering Festival promises to be an exciting opportunity that will energize students and the public around the important role science and engineering have today and in the future.