FUTURE SCIENTISTS CONVENE IN ST. PAUL FOR ANNUAL STATE COMPETITION

Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN—March 13, 2006—One million entry-level engineers will be needed over the next decade according to the National Academy of Engineering. Last month, in his visit to Minnesota, President Bush emphasized that the United States cannot lead the world in science and technology development unless more emphasis and funds are dedicated to educating young scientists and mathematicians. No wonder getting students interested in these fields is more important than ever.

Hooking students on science and math education through early involvement in activities such as science fairs is one way to help kindle students’ interest. For 69 years, the Minnesota Academy of Science State Fair has kept the spark alive among students around the state by providing a vital forum for scientific inquiry and discussion as well as displaying top-notch science projects. This year’s fair runs April 2 through 4 at the Radisson Riverfront Hotel in Saint Paul.

Nearly 25,000 students in grades 7 through 12 throughout Minnesota compete annually in local and regional science fairs; close to 400 rise to participate in the state’s annual competition. Supported by corporations that believe student involvement early on in science activities is essential to generate interest in science and technology-related careers, the Minnesota Academy of Science has been refreshing the science fair to attract additional participation and interest. With financial support from primary sponsor Seagate Technology, the fair has added opportunities for socialization and fun by offering entertainment, and giving additional cash awards and prizes.

“To spur interest in science and technology students not only need to interact with other “scientists” their age but also meet and learn from practicing professionals who volunteer to be science fair judges,” said Gary Alexander, Program Director for the Minnesota Academy of Science. “Participating in the State Science Fair, in particular, helps young people develop presentation, communication and competition skills. ”

“Involvement with the State Science Fair helps Seagate show Minnesota’s youth how exciting technology can be,” said Bob Whitmore, executive vice president of product and process development at Seagate. “And by encouraging creativity, reinforcing practical application of their skills and rewarding academic excellence, we hope to cultivate students and help them develop the skills necessary to succeed in the fields of science and technology. ”

Awards are given to students who participate with a project, research paper, or both, in one of the following 14 categories – Behavioral and Social Science, Biochemistry, Botany, Chemistry, Computers, Engineering, Environmental Science, Geology, Gerontology, Mathematics, Medicine and Health, Microbiology, Physics and Zoology.

Other awards include the Seagate Rising Star Award, which provides a major cash prize to one junior high and one senior high project that displays high degrees of difficulty, creativity and innovation. In addition, the Seagate Mentor Award recognizes two teachers who have mentored students participating in science fair competitions and gives them and their schools a cash prize.

About the Minnesota Academy of Science

The Minnesota Academy of Science encourages and facilitates excellence in science and education, and fosters active and integrated participation in scientific inquiry. Since 1873, the organization has been striving to foster an interest in science, promote quality scientific research and inquiry, improve instruction, disseminate knowledge, encourage interaction and collaboration, and recognize high achievement in science, education, engineering and technology. Additional information regarding MAS and it programs can be found on its Web site: www.mnmas.org.

About Seagate

Seagate is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of hard disc drives, providing products for a wide-range of Enterprise, Desktop, Mobile Computing, and Consumer Electronics applications. Seagate's business model leverages technology leadership and world-class manufacturing to deliver industry-leading innovation and quality to its global customers, and to be the low cost producer in all markets in which it participates. The company is committed to providing award-winning products, customer support and reliability to meet the world's growing demand for information storage. Seagate can be found around the globe and at www.seagate.com.

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