STEMPrizeLogo OfficialYaoundé, Cameroon (21 November 2013). The Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation today launched The STEM Prize competition for young Cameroonian scholars with the purpose of increasing the number of students interested in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The competition also seeks to expand the pool of graduates pursuing STEM careers, which have been shown to be critical ingredient in the economic health of any country.  . This team-competition challenges young Cameroonian scholars (between the ages of 13 and 18) to design projects that have the greatest potential of positively changing their communities and the country as a whole. The issues facing the world of today and the solutions for the Africa of tomorrow require a serious investment in science and technology which must be fostered at a very early age. The top teams will be invited to spend three weeks as part of the Leadership Program for Young Scholars at the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation between July and August 2014.

“We are very pleased by the support we’ve received that have made this initiative possible and we hope that in the coming months we will continue to build partnerships with various stakeholders to ensure that this competition stimulates many more Cameroonians to pursue STEM careers” noted Dr. Denis Foretia, Co-chair of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation.

Eligibility to Participate

To be eligible to participate in the program you must be a Cameroonian between the ages of 13 and 18. Each project must be submitted in teams of 3 – 5 members. You must have at least 3 members in a team and no more than 5. Students affiliated with secondary or high school science clubs are encouraged to submit project proposals. Any team of young Cameroonians should consider applying.

Deadlines

The deadline for to submission of projects/proposals is 15 April 2014. The top finalists will be announced on 10 June 2014. The finalists will participate in the three (3) week Leadership Program for Young Scholars offered by the Foretia Foundation from 20 July – 10 August 2014.

Selection Criteria

All submissions will be judged on:

1. Social Impact

2. Relevance

3. Scalability

During the Leadership Program, teams will meet with entrepreneurs, business leaders, social innovators, and scientists who will critique their proposals/projects ensuring that the final product is polished. The final presentation will take place on Saturday 9 August 2014. The STEM Prize will be awarded during the Foundation Reception on 9 August 2014. A Certificate of Achievement is issued to all young scholars completing the program. They become part of an alumni network that continues well beyond the program.

About the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation

The Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation was established to catalyze Africa’s economic transformation by focusing on social entrepreneurship, science and technology, innovation, public health and progressive policies that create economic opportunities for all. The foundation works in partnership with local governments, policy makers, private enterprises, civil society organizations as well as development partners to expand the resources available to entrepreneurs, farmers, and small business owners in addition to improving individual livelihoods.

To support The STEM Prize competition or for any other inquiries, please contact [email protected]

Contact: Edith Gloria Ossono ([email protected])