SIEMENS FOUNDATION AND DISCOVERY EDUCATION SEARCH FOR NEXT CLASS OF STEM EDUCATORS FOR EXCLUSIVE ‘SIEMENS STEM ACADEMY’ PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS Chanika Colbert, Siemens Foundation770-751-2073, chanika.colbert@siemens.com Lyndsey Grubbs, Discovery Communications240-662-2572, lyndsey_grubbs@discovery.com — Application Now Open for Prestigious STEM Institute and STARs Programs Known For Connecting Influential Educators with Renowned STEM Experts and Thought Leaders – ISELIN, N.J., October 17, 2013 – The Siemens Foundation and Discovery Education, along with their partner Oak Ridge Associated Universities, have announced they will begin accepting applications for the 2014 Siemens Teachers as Researchers (STARs) and Siemens STEM Institute programs two months early. Educators from across the country can submit an application to attend one of the prestigious professional development programs offered this summer. The STARs program selects 40 educators to attend one of two programs held at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) for two weeks to study and conduct research with some of the country’s top scientists. The Siemens STEM Institute selects 50 educators from around the nation to attend a hands-on, immersion program promoting STEM education at the Discovery Communications headquarters just outside of Washington, D.C. These programs are part of the Siemens STEM Academy, a national professional development community designed to advance the teaching of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in the United States. “Every year we see such a strong response to the Siemens Teachers as Researchers and Siemens STEM Institute programs that we decided to let applicants get a jump on submissions,” said Jeniffer Harper-Taylor, president of the Siemens Foundation. “This is such a unique and rewarding program that allows educators from across the country to not only come together and collaborate but then gives them new tools they can take back into their classrooms and implement as they create engaging learning environments for their students.” For the two prestigious STARs professional development programs, 40 educators will work in small groups and collaborate with scientific teams from world-renowned labs to conduct individually-designed research projects that will give them real-world experience they can bring back to their classrooms. In the past during these in-depth research experiences, STARs fellows have tackled a variety of STEM project topics, including the production, characterization and uses of nano-particles, examining the thermal performance of building materials and studying neutron scattering techniques. The 2014 STARs programs will take place June 8-20, 2014 and July 20-August 1, 2014 – both at ORNL. In addition to the two-week, hands-on learning experience, each teacher will receive a grant to purchase equipment and/or supplies for their classroom. The Siemens STEM Academy also offers the Siemens STEM Institute, a unique, week-long program that promotes real-world integration of STEM principles into the classroom. Occurring August 3-8, 2014, the select group of 50 middle and high school educators from across the country will attend an intensive professional development experience at the global headquarters of Discovery Communications located just outside of Washington, D.C. The Fellows will be exposed to leading scientists, thought leaders, personalities and innovators whose work across STEM disciplines shape and define our world today. In the past, STEM Institute Fellows have heard from guest speakers, including Dr. Roosevelt Johnson, deputy associate administrator for education at NASA and Camsie McAdams, senior advisor on STEM Education, Department of Education; have taken field trips to leading institutions of STEM innovation, such as the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air & Space Museum and engaged in discussions with executives from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy on opportunities for educators to enhance classroom teaching techniques. The call for applications for the STEM Academy programs is now open through February 4, 2014. Educators across the country can apply for the 2014 STARs programs or the 2014 Siemens STEM Institute by visiting www.siemensstemacademy.com. About the Siemens STEM Academy The Siemens STEM Academy is a collaborative effort of the Siemens Foundation, Discovery Education, Oak Ridge Associated Universities and the College Board to empower and celebrate excellence in science, technology, engineering and math education. As the premier online professional development community for STEM educators, over 300,000 teachers from across the United States exchange and download resources, participate in and view webinars, obtain up-to-date STEM news and network with their peers. Additionally, each year the STEM Academy selects top educators from around the country to participate in the Siemens Teachers as Researchers (STARs) programs, (2) two-week professional development experiences at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. In addition, 50 educators are chosen to participate in the Siemens STEM Institute, a one-week professional development initiative at Discovery Communications headquarters in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.siemensstemacademy.com. About the Siemens Foundation The Siemens Foundation provides more than $7 million annually in support of educational initiatives in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in the United States. Its signature programs include the Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology, a STEM research competition for high school students, Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, a sustainability challenge which encourages K-12 students to develop innovative green solutions for environmental issues and the Siemens STEM Academy, a national educator professional development program designed to support educators in their efforts to foster student achievement in STEM fields. By supporting outstanding students and educators today, and recognizing the mentors and schools that inspire STEM educational excellence, the Foundation helps nurture tomorrow’s scientists and engineers. The Foundation’s mission is based on the culture of innovation, research and educational support that is the hallmark of Siemens’ U.S. companies. For further information, visit www.siemens-foundation.org or follow @sfoundation About Discovery Education Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-based digital content for K-12, transforming teaching and learning with award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia content that supports the implementation of Common Core, professional development, assessment tools, and the largest professional learning community of its kind. Available in over half of all U.S. schools, community colleges and in 50 countries around the world, Discovery Education partners with districts, states and like-minded organizations to captivate students, empower teachers, and transform classrooms with customized solutions that accelerate academic achievement. Discovery Education is powered by Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the number one nonfiction media company in the world. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com. ###