Lt. Governor welcomes students from 18 nations to International Student Science Fair at IMSA
Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti delivered welcome remarks at the opening ceremony of the 14th annual International Student Science Fair hosted June 27 at the Illinois Math & Science Academy in Aurora, marking the first time the distinguished STEM program is being held in the United States.
"We are honored and so excited that this amazing event is being held in our country for the very first time, and we couldn't be prouder that IMSA in Aurora is the host this year," Sanguinetti said. "I commend IMSA for hosting this incredible program that offers young people from all over the world opportunities to gain hands-on STEM exposure."
Sponsored by the Office of the Governor's Bicentennial Commission, the Science Fair convenes 32 STEM high schools from 18 countries including Australia, Canada, China, France, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Mongolia, Nigeria, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Republic of Korea, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, the Netherlands, United Kingdom; and three states, New York, Georgia and Rhode Island.
By collaborating on an international stage with these schools from across the world, IMSA will begin work on finding solutions to fight hunger, increase access to clean water and create affordable energy.
Illinois is celebrating its 200th Birthday Dec. 3 and throughout the year, the Bicentennial Commission has been implementing and promoting educational programs to celebrate Illinois' history.
"We are very proud to partner with the Illinois Math & Science Academy on the Bicentennial Stem Fusion campaign and to sponsor ISSF," said Stuart Layne, executive director of the Illinois Bicentennial. "Illinois has always been a worldwide leader in innovation and technology and these programs are truly an investment in the next 200 years."
The Science Fair kicked off with an opening ceremony, where Lt. Governor Sanguinetti was joined by Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin, state representatives, dignitaries from China, Japan and Indonesia, among other leaders from the private sector, and it will last until July 1.
The fair is a major annual program where STEM high school students from all over the world meet to learn and exchange ideas about research and development in STEM. It is also a tool for students to learn about cultural interactions and cooperation.
For more information about the International Student Science Fair, contact Cathe Stieg, community and alumni relations coordinator at IMSA, at (630) 907-5033 or email to cstieg@imsa.edu.
On Dec. 3, 1818, Illinois became the 21st state in the union. The Illinois Bicentennial is a yearlong celebration of what has been "Born, Built & Grown" in the state and a reminder of why we are #IllinoisProud.
Residents are encouraged to participate in the celebration by visiting www.illinois200.com and using the hashtag #IllinoisProud. Partners and event and project managers planning activities between Dec. 3, 2017, and Dec. 3, 2018, can apply for endorsement to become an official part of Illinois Bicentennial by visiting illinois200.com/participate/.