Apple, Google, Facebook: hello? You wanted something to do with all of that cash sitting on your balance sheets, right?
2
I wish Intel would explain their decision. It's one of the few companies outside of Google that has a core business that makes the scale of profit that allows for funding these types of programs.
While the media celebrates "the nerds of Silicon Valley", their coverage is misplaced and off target. Their "heros" are more marketing and business types, than real propeller heads.
Intel's program celebrated the real deal. There's a big difference between what the winners of these scholarships can do and people like Mark Zuckerberg (as good as he is, technically). The number of Nobel prize winners that are alumni of this competition should give you some idea.
Rather than pass sponsorship off to another company, I would like to see it publicly funded, or the beneficiary of an endowment. Mr Gates?
There are a lot of scientists, and engineers that would love to contribute some funding to see that another generation discovers the joys of pure research and will carry on when we are gone.
While the media celebrates "the nerds of Silicon Valley", their coverage is misplaced and off target. Their "heros" are more marketing and business types, than real propeller heads.
Intel's program celebrated the real deal. There's a big difference between what the winners of these scholarships can do and people like Mark Zuckerberg (as good as he is, technically). The number of Nobel prize winners that are alumni of this competition should give you some idea.
Rather than pass sponsorship off to another company, I would like to see it publicly funded, or the beneficiary of an endowment. Mr Gates?
There are a lot of scientists, and engineers that would love to contribute some funding to see that another generation discovers the joys of pure research and will carry on when we are gone.
2
I love the other article next to this one "Corporate Social Action Has Its Limits"... "And yet Professor Porter argues that executives are driven by a broader set of business considerations. It’s about businesses that cannot find skilled workers and realize they have not paid attention to what he calls “the supply chain for skills.” It’s about companies’ realization that low wages can be costly, too, sapping motivation and increasing turnover."
Corporations are no longer investing in the "supply chain for skills". They eliminated scholarships. They eliminated funding for schools. They stopped paying taxes in the local communities that fund schools. They outsourced jobs, which lowered the tax base that funds the schools.
Now, they import labor that often lies about qualifications and does shoddy work. My favorite comment on one of the tech message boards "help, I am hired to program driver. How do I program driver?"
That encapsulates much of the lie of the offshore programmers.
Corporations are no longer investing in the "supply chain for skills". They eliminated scholarships. They eliminated funding for schools. They stopped paying taxes in the local communities that fund schools. They outsourced jobs, which lowered the tax base that funds the schools.
Now, they import labor that often lies about qualifications and does shoddy work. My favorite comment on one of the tech message boards "help, I am hired to program driver. How do I program driver?"
That encapsulates much of the lie of the offshore programmers.
6
I sure hope Google or Elon Musk steps in .... Tech rockstars, come do this thing!
3
Intel has listened.
Intel is only aligning itself with the political mood of the country which is at this time is profoundly anti-science. When an entire political party proclaims that a large number of scientists, researchers, engineers (at all levels: federal, state, private and of course abroad) are not only wrong (future climate, the polar regions, the oceans etc) but are in fact incompetent frauds or worse embezzlers and abusers of the public trust expect consequences.
Watch a certain channel, read the dedicated press and go on the internet.
What's strange is that any science oriented HS senior should be quite capable of figuring out that all that is spewed by the above medias and their minions (spokespersons) is nothing but pernicious nonsense with just a little math, physics, chemistry and logic.
Congratulations to Intel!
Intel is only aligning itself with the political mood of the country which is at this time is profoundly anti-science. When an entire political party proclaims that a large number of scientists, researchers, engineers (at all levels: federal, state, private and of course abroad) are not only wrong (future climate, the polar regions, the oceans etc) but are in fact incompetent frauds or worse embezzlers and abusers of the public trust expect consequences.
Watch a certain channel, read the dedicated press and go on the internet.
What's strange is that any science oriented HS senior should be quite capable of figuring out that all that is spewed by the above medias and their minions (spokespersons) is nothing but pernicious nonsense with just a little math, physics, chemistry and logic.
Congratulations to Intel!
4
Intel is on the way down. Great engineers started the company. Overtime, companies become risk averse, make stupid decisions to "save" money, and become ossified. You see this in how Intel missed the boat on mobile applications. Warren Buffett notwithstanding, iBM is now a loser, too--has been for quite awhile in the same way. The bean counters win in the short term and kill companies in the long term.
4
Thanks to the internet world we live in, kids in America today think a pat on the back is worth more than the hard work needed to succeed in school Kids that used to excel in math and science now leave that up to kids in other countries. They don't have the inclination or the interest in going into a field where long hours and difficult work are involved The kids in other countries do, they value education, and they flock to American technical schools to get it. An education paid for by the parents of the kids who dream of hiring them!
1
I can see Intel's point if you look at what constitutes mainstream technology today. It is the development of applications rather than the discovery of new materials or development of faster components that will continue to propel Intel.
The hardware that Intel is famous for, and that is the fruit of much of the science and applied science in engineering that the competition represents, has given birth to the app, which uses all of that hardware to do more "meaningful" things for us now: communicate, analyze, present, and engage.
Science under a microscope is still important (semiconductors are tiny things of hardware, after all), but Intel's business has shifted to where that science only supports the Internet of Things and the leveraging of the mass of data that are possible to mine. For Intel it was probably a question of relevance, and the microscope and "lab" are no longer the keys to its continued success.
The hardware that Intel is famous for, and that is the fruit of much of the science and applied science in engineering that the competition represents, has given birth to the app, which uses all of that hardware to do more "meaningful" things for us now: communicate, analyze, present, and engage.
Science under a microscope is still important (semiconductors are tiny things of hardware, after all), but Intel's business has shifted to where that science only supports the Internet of Things and the leveraging of the mass of data that are possible to mine. For Intel it was probably a question of relevance, and the microscope and "lab" are no longer the keys to its continued success.
3
Mostly kids of Chinese or Indian origin.
1
This is just tragic. Intel has never been a big supporter of the arts, but it did support causes like education and the STS that were aligned with its business goals. Now they're cutting back on those efforts as well.
3
Intel's decision to give up its title sponsorship of the Intel Science Talent Search is as 'wise' as the decision to pass up opportunity to make chips for Apple's original iPhone.
6
Maybe Intel thinks that its 125M$ budget to support diversity in silicon valley (read only benefiting women and minorities or the War on (white) Men) to be far and enough to be spending on activities that DOES NOT benefit its bottom line. They might have a point.
4
Phonons are the "basic particles of sound"???
3
The author obviously misunderstood the meaning of "acoustic phonon". They do have some of the properties of particles, so I'd give partial credit: 2/10.
2
Intel has no more obligation to continue its sponsorship beyond its current contract than IBM, Apple, Google or any other company has to sponsor it in the future. This is like criticizing your uncle Bob who has stopped sending you a birthday gift after several years, while your Aunt Mary, Uncle Bill and Aunt Sue have never given you anything. Grow up, people.
I will bet that some features and improvements implemented over the years throughout the hardware computer industry and Intel in particular are due to some former finalists of the Science Talent Search that Intel is now abandoning.
1
why should Intel sponsor this when H-1 Visa holders can be used to eliminate any "shortage" of STEM graudates in the US? This is bad value for the investment.
1
Sort of symbolic of Intel as a has-been, as an also-ran, as its hey-day passes.
4
I haven't yet had the chance to read through the other comments. But I would like to mention that according to the Wall Street Journal, "Brian Krzanich received $11.2 million in compensation in 2014, up about 17% from $9.6 million the year before." and for just the last quarter, Intel had earnings of $5.49 BILLION, or a thousand times the total cost of the Science Talent Search and a trivial percentage of the STS' value to the nation.
Somebody has a really twisted and sociopathic sense of priorities.
Somebody has a really twisted and sociopathic sense of priorities.
24
"Somebody has a really twisted and sociopathic sense of priorities."
It's called capitalism.
It's called capitalism.
3
I'm not sure anymore what "merit" means. The people who have access to the best education at affordable prices have the best chance at distinguished careers in science and engineering. Access has mostly to do with family and birth place. That sounds like "luck" rather than "merit".
It is in a nation's best interest to offer the best education possible to as many people as possible from all kinds of backgrounds, so that there are more talented engineers, scientists, doctors, writers, and so on. This is about a thriving economy and not political correctness.
It is in a nation's best interest to offer the best education possible to as many people as possible from all kinds of backgrounds, so that there are more talented engineers, scientists, doctors, writers, and so on. This is about a thriving economy and not political correctness.
2
When I was young, I knew about the Westinghouse Science (Talent Search) Award which was the most prestigious science award a student can get. That award ran 57 years until Intel picked it up in 1998. Intel did a great service over the years. But why we always count on one company (or somebody else) doing the good thing for the society? It is time that we thank Intel (and Westinghouse before that) and let the baton to be picked up by other great companies. This is how a great society will live and evolve forward. Better yet, everybody who called Intel shame in the NYT comment circle can pick up a part of the baton. Why don't we create a crowd-funded award mechanism for everybody to contribute if the subject is really important in our (and your) minds? If everyone can contribute the cost of a six-pack beer, a movie, or thee cups of Starbucks coffee, we will have enough money to fund many awards. It is so easy to blame somebody else or think that somebody else should do it, but it would be shame on us that we don't proactively make something positive. By the way, have you donated $5 to Wikipedia (or any services to the public) ? Yes, the common excuse: Why me?
7
It would be possible for "crowd funding" of these programs had companies like Westinghouse and Intel not outsourced jobs and kept wages high in America.
Instead, we have a hollowed out economy that only creates low paying "service" jobs. 50 years ago, the #1 employer was GM and it paid an average of $50/hr in today's dollars. Today, the #1 employer is Walmart and pays an average of $8/hr.
We can see the direct results in the rise in the national debt.
How do you propose we come up with the money to influence the next generation of scientists? Particularly when we have much of the country who believe that "science is a liberal hoax"... It feels like we've lost.
Instead, we have a hollowed out economy that only creates low paying "service" jobs. 50 years ago, the #1 employer was GM and it paid an average of $50/hr in today's dollars. Today, the #1 employer is Walmart and pays an average of $8/hr.
We can see the direct results in the rise in the national debt.
How do you propose we come up with the money to influence the next generation of scientists? Particularly when we have much of the country who believe that "science is a liberal hoax"... It feels like we've lost.
3
As a former employee of SSP, who witnessed these programs intimately for many years it's disappointing to hear this has happened. I've seen the impact that these competitions can have on our youth and it's nothing but positive. This is a terrible decision by Intel's leadership team - only evaluating the financial impact of this program and nothing else. A 'science project' may not sound too flashy or appealing compared to the trendiness of the Maker Faire, but these kids are incredibly talented and many of them are doing cutting edge cancer research, mathematics, and all other areas of STEM. Prizes such as these motivate our top high school talent to dig deeper through scientific inquiry. I sure hope that these programs will quickly be gobbled up by a more forward thinking company like Google. It's too bad that Mr. Barrett's commitment to these programs wasn't a trait that was passed on to his successors.
9
So much hostility toward immigrant scientists in these comments. But look where the children of immigrants end up: in the photograph of finalists. There are plenty of opportunities for US citizens with excellent STEM skills. Do not blame immigrants for under-performance of US schools and entitled middle class children, who prefer to focus on football, and major in Communications.
13
Some corporations will spend $8,000,000 for a sixty second commercial aired while 24 contemporary gladiators take a break from inflicting brain damage upon each other ( i.e. The Super Bowl) but will not help fund the education of the intellectually gifted; to them I say, the next time you need an algorithm knock on the door of a NFL locker room.
17
Although I'm sure SSP will find another marquee sponsor pretty quickly, this is sad news. "Intel" has become a household name in my home not because of chips but because it's the first word in the major science fairs. Intel ISEF and Intel STS and Broadcom continue to inspire legions of middle and high school students to pursue careers in science, to develop presentation skills, and to hone the analytical rigor needed in any professional pursuit. It seems odd that Intel has made this move, but they have made an immeasurable contribution to American students, and their families.
4
Intel has peaked with its microprocessors for PCs. Time to pass the torch to the next leader. Google?
2
Dropping their US program and continuing their international program sends a very bad PR message. Sounds like middle managers run amok.
15
more like upper managers run amuck.
4
An awards program based on merit, not race, is no longer tenable in today's America. The evident inequality of outcomes flies in the face of the egalitarian narrative, so it cannot be tolerated. Intel is wise to bail out before it is attacked by the little trained minions of diversity.
3
When the contest you sponsor does not give politically correct results, no Blacks or Latinos and too many Asians and a few Whites, it probably makes sense to withdraw your support before you are accused of racism.
4
For some reason, the writer left out the link to the most important organization in the article. https://www.societyforscience.org/
The Society for Science and the Public originated and runs the contest. Intel was just sponsoring, and getting naming rights and publicity in return. Not sure why they want to signal a loss of interest in science education now, but I'm not an Intel decision-maker.
For everyone who might be interested in helping other students or schools increase interest in science - look at the SSP site, the Science News and Science News for Students pages. I get Science News and have given gift subscriptions to nieces and nephews, and have also begun supporting the Society itself.
Society for Science & the Public does a lot of good work and deserves support from individuals "the Public" as well as corporations. They've announced a new program to provide Science News magazine and teacher guides to high schools - anyone wanting to sponsor a particular school can contact them.
The Society for Science and the Public originated and runs the contest. Intel was just sponsoring, and getting naming rights and publicity in return. Not sure why they want to signal a loss of interest in science education now, but I'm not an Intel decision-maker.
For everyone who might be interested in helping other students or schools increase interest in science - look at the SSP site, the Science News and Science News for Students pages. I get Science News and have given gift subscriptions to nieces and nephews, and have also begun supporting the Society itself.
Society for Science & the Public does a lot of good work and deserves support from individuals "the Public" as well as corporations. They've announced a new program to provide Science News magazine and teacher guides to high schools - anyone wanting to sponsor a particular school can contact them.
11
Intel pays its taxes like all good American Corporations do. Why should they spend money on high school kids who will probably go to work for some other company then theirs? 6 million will help keep the hard working executives at Intel that that come up with these types of ideas in bonuses!
5
It's not at all worrying to me that the contest is in need of a sponsor-- with the prestige and headlines this gets every year, there will likely be a frenzy among tech companies to take over. Perhaps this way the contest can gain a more cutting edge sponsor than out-of-date Intel anyway. God knows why they would squander this opportunity to be portrayed as both leading edge and generous to the science community, but no matter. The contest will be fine, and only Intel will suffer for their mistake.
8
Maybe they're not as smart as they think they are over at Intel.
Or maybe they believe they know something that we don't know, possibly having to do with the fundamentals underlying the universe. But, of course, they'd never tell.
Or maybe they believe they know something that we don't know, possibly having to do with the fundamentals underlying the universe. But, of course, they'd never tell.
3
I think if all of us start buying AMD chips in protest, Intel bean-counters will rethink their decision.
6
Puzzled by Intel's actions here. Seems to be no rational reason to pull out of the funding. Six million? Everyone admits it is a nonsensical amount to Intel and by not funding the event it sends a ton of good will down the drain.
Stupid is as stupid does......
Stupid is as stupid does......
11
The money will be better spent reupholstering the company's jet, and a better kitchen for the CFO's personal chef.
Besides, we can get cheap engineers, scientists, mathematicians and the like from overseas who will work for a pittance with H-1B visas.
that is why we have CFO's
Meanwhile the board plays tiddlywinks.
Besides, we can get cheap engineers, scientists, mathematicians and the like from overseas who will work for a pittance with H-1B visas.
that is why we have CFO's
Meanwhile the board plays tiddlywinks.
15
I've met a few of these kids. They have so much to offer.
Look, Intel and all of these tech companies want to hire more and more offshore people and turn their backs on Americans.
I am turning my back on Intel. I will no longer buy Intel products. There are other chip manufacturers and manufacturers of the same products as Intel. I have two words for Intel, and they are not "happy birthday".
Look, Intel and all of these tech companies want to hire more and more offshore people and turn their backs on Americans.
I am turning my back on Intel. I will no longer buy Intel products. There are other chip manufacturers and manufacturers of the same products as Intel. I have two words for Intel, and they are not "happy birthday".
10
As a winner of the STS (1975), I deeply appreciate Westinghouse's sponsorship of the Science Talent Search. It paid for my undergraduate education and opened many doors, and the Institute expanded my intellectual experience trememdously. I am sure that each of us has such a positive experience. So, when Intel assumed sponsorship of STS, I developed a vicarious kinship with the company. I understood that Westinghouse's owners were unable to continue and was grateful for Intel's inspired generosity. But now, it is difficult to accept Intel dropping the ball. They are a healthy megacorporation and can eaaily afford the sponsorship. By severing their invlvement, Intel paints itsellf as unreliable and greedy tech giant. To me, their decision appears costly, since it generates more than $6million dollars in negative pr. Bad Intel, very bad...
45
It's disappointing to see Intel ending their sponsorship but I am sure there are plenty of other organizations who would want to sponsor this completion.
On another note, looking at the cover photo with 2012 winners with President Obama is concerning to me! I see much of the same, basically Asians and whites, who are already well represented in the STEM field on every level (Undergraduate, Graduate, Post Graduate etc.). I would rather this competition at high school level becomes more inclusive and attracts minority students who generally not well represented in STEM Field at University Level.
Just for the record, I am South Asian and have studied Math and have a STEM related job and have nothing against Asians or Whites in STEM. It's just that there have been quite a few article in Times in recent months about lack of diversity in tech fields for example and this photo seemed to capture that very well. This lack of diversity in STEM starts at an early level and this is where it can be easily fixed.
On another note, looking at the cover photo with 2012 winners with President Obama is concerning to me! I see much of the same, basically Asians and whites, who are already well represented in the STEM field on every level (Undergraduate, Graduate, Post Graduate etc.). I would rather this competition at high school level becomes more inclusive and attracts minority students who generally not well represented in STEM Field at University Level.
Just for the record, I am South Asian and have studied Math and have a STEM related job and have nothing against Asians or Whites in STEM. It's just that there have been quite a few article in Times in recent months about lack of diversity in tech fields for example and this photo seemed to capture that very well. This lack of diversity in STEM starts at an early level and this is where it can be easily fixed.
3
' I see much of the same, basically Asians and whites, who are already well represented in the STEM field on every level"
Did it ever occur to you that Asians and Whites may have higher IQs than minorities and will thus do better? Those who constantly call for "diversity" seem to feel that it should make up for higher intelligence.
Did it ever occur to you that Asians and Whites may have higher IQs than minorities and will thus do better? Those who constantly call for "diversity" seem to feel that it should make up for higher intelligence.
4
Seeing as how technology is one of our Country's strengths, I see no reason to lower the bar.
1
Only someone like a science PhD would equate an "early level" with the last year of secondary school. Early, re habits and interests, is much more like pre-K.
Intel is battling the perception of falling behind in all respects, of being out of sync with a new world of portable devices, and of being unable to operate effectively. And the company squanders a big chunk of its reputation, something that still had for it, but is unable to explain... Clearly this management team does not know what it is doing and should be out.
5
In our current deregulated, laissez-faire economy, with company after company using creative accounting to avoid revealing its true financial status, SEC financial disclosure rules have become increasingly meaningless. These days, about the only way you can tell that a company is in serious financial trouble is when it does something like ending its support for a student science fair competition it has been sponsoring for years. Competition from AMD and Chinese tech firms must be cutting deeply into Intel's profits for the firm to take a cost-cutting step as desperate as this. The 10-Q quarterly reports and 10-K annual reports that Intel files with the SEC may paint a rosy picture, but an action such as this reveals a lot more about how the company is really doing. Definitely not good news for Intel shareholders.
9
This is quite outrageous if you pull up http://en.intelextrememasters.com/ and http://fortune.com/2014/07/24/esports-sponsors/
Intel is putting on $4,638,150 into competitive gaming prizes and they are very proud of these numbers while cutting down on their sponsorship for science. If that's their shift of interest, then it is very disappointing where the mindset of leadership is heading. If one of major technology company's leadership believes that gaming is the future of American youth and bet their own company's future on media and marketing, not science, then I am just speechless.
Intel is putting on $4,638,150 into competitive gaming prizes and they are very proud of these numbers while cutting down on their sponsorship for science. If that's their shift of interest, then it is very disappointing where the mindset of leadership is heading. If one of major technology company's leadership believes that gaming is the future of American youth and bet their own company's future on media and marketing, not science, then I am just speechless.
25
Very sad that they are discontinuing their support.
I hope another company of their stature takes the project over.
I hope another company of their stature takes the project over.
4
maybe a chinese company can.
How sad that Intel has chosen to discontinue sponsorship of this event; but hopefully Google or Autodesk will replace them.
6
Petty, petty.
A pox on Intel...
A pox on Intel...
14
The question is, what else is Intel doing to foster scientific excellence in young people? My spouse's employer has a quite extensive internship program, in which college students are not only paid about $25 per hour, but also have the opportunity to travel internationally as part of a team, learning about scientific endeavors in other countries, as well as gaining valuable exposure to other cultures. A high-school science competition is not everything.
5
"Gail Dundas, a spokeswoman for Intel, could not say why it was ending its support." I find this sentence very strange. What does it mean that Intel's spokeswoman "could not say"? Was she prohibited by Intel from explaining why it walked away from its sponsorship? Did she not know? Pretty weird.
31
Maybe commenter Sandy from Fallmouth (above) has the reason.
Sorry to hear that Intel is ending its sponsorship, but the competition did not really promote science at the grassroots level in schools. It only rewarded flashy projects done by kids who were partnering with scientists or engineers in private labs outside the school purviews. I would love to know about an Intel winner who worked solely within the confines of a school lab with a mentor who was a school teacher, not a doctor, professor or high tech engineer.
46
You wrote, "the competition . . . only rewarded flashy projects done by kids who were partnering with scientists or engineers in private labs outside the school purviews."
Really? What's the basis of your statement?
Really? What's the basis of your statement?
4
There are plenty of such winners. What you are claiming is simply not true.
3
Here is but one recent example (the #1 winner from two years ago): http://nyti.ms/10GhUXF
2
Someone mentioned converting this program to a government program....Really? We can't even get our government to feed kids in school, and the majority of the "decision-makers" don't even believe in climate change, think the earth is 600 yrs old, and that rape won't get a woman pregnant. We are doomed. Years ago, I saw the dumbing down of America start, and was ridiculed by my friends. I think that the daily headlines showing that schools can't provide supplies, that Donald Trumps military school was like serving our country in the military, that Obama is not American (AND Muslim) are just the tip of the iceberg.
Shame on us. I recently heard a program that read the letters between some of the founders of our nation.....puts us all to shame. And this article breaks my heart for the young minds that will wither and lose their light as the opportunities diminish.
Shame on us. I recently heard a program that read the letters between some of the founders of our nation.....puts us all to shame. And this article breaks my heart for the young minds that will wither and lose their light as the opportunities diminish.
14
A college football coach is getting paid $6mm, but Intel can't find the money for hard working, talented future geniuses to get a few small prizes? This is absolutely baffling.
Who will step up? Facebook? Twitter? Microsoft? Surely, you can find $6mm.
Who will step up? Facebook? Twitter? Microsoft? Surely, you can find $6mm.
11
maybe a chinese company will step up.
It's also a shame that not one black person in that picture except the President. We're getting further and further behind and it's no one's fault except our own.
3
As a former Intel engineer (and married to a current one), this decision is baffling and extremely disappointing. It costs peanuts to Intel, yet the rewards and positive publicity are enormous. Why would they do this???
69
Time for Qualcomm to step up.
2
Or time for Intel to reconsider their foolish actions.....
5
When the prize last changed hands Microsoft was in the final running for the chance to sponsor it. The executives at the Westinghouse Prize thought that Intel sounded more prestigious. If that is how they choose, that rules out Google or Alphabet. Microsoft can certainly afford to be the sponsor if they are still interested. Failing that, they should ask Bill and Melinda, who I am sure would jump at the chance.
7
What a shame. And shame on the suits at Intel. I would think that Gordon Moore would step in and use part of his $7 billion fortune to permanently fund this wonderful contest. I mean he is 86 years old. What else does he have to do with his money?
13
This is a pity since rewarding enquiring minds in science and technology is or should be a national priority.
I'm sure a company like Google, Microsoft, or Apple will step forward but continuing this award program, you should pardon the expression, is a "no brainer".
I'm sure a company like Google, Microsoft, or Apple will step forward but continuing this award program, you should pardon the expression, is a "no brainer".
5
This award has become politically incorrect. The articles accompanying photo shows 26 student winners and 15 are clearly of Asian ancestry (58%). The US is 2% Asian. Therein lies the sad and depressing reason Intel dropped this stellar event.
16
Sad to say, the same thought occurred to me. As a mostly Euro-American and a woman, that talent does not appear to be equally distributed by racial/ethnic group among students in our nation doesn't really bother me as much as the threat to our country of the death of the merit-based rewards system does. We cannot afford to be noncompetitive just to be politically correct.
That said, we do need to ensure that every student has the opportunity to excel. In too many of these stories, the parent or parents are scientists with extraordinary access to laboratory equipment and other resources that tend to augment the talent, thus giving that person's child an advantage beyond his or her natural talent. My spouse, also a Euro-American, is employed by a multinational biotech company that sponsors academic awards that are based on nationally-administered standardized testing and that are limited to the children of its employees, and our children were as or more competitive than those of scientists of all other ethnic/racial backgrounds. Were the awards to have been based upon knowledge of lab work, however, that might not have been the case.
That said, we do need to ensure that every student has the opportunity to excel. In too many of these stories, the parent or parents are scientists with extraordinary access to laboratory equipment and other resources that tend to augment the talent, thus giving that person's child an advantage beyond his or her natural talent. My spouse, also a Euro-American, is employed by a multinational biotech company that sponsors academic awards that are based on nationally-administered standardized testing and that are limited to the children of its employees, and our children were as or more competitive than those of scientists of all other ethnic/racial backgrounds. Were the awards to have been based upon knowledge of lab work, however, that might not have been the case.
1
Ah yes! The stench of racism. East and South Asians must succeed only because their parents are also scientists. As a South Asian who is a scientist at an elite university I do share the privilege of access with my daughter. But I did work hard to get here. Where does that count in your Euro-Americans are disenfranchised routine? And here's the rub: Neither my parents nor I had to pay a fortune for my STEM centric school and college education in South Asia. Nor did I ever have to apologize for being a math / science nerd when I was growing. Instead, my proclivities were celebrated. Of course now that me and my ilk are featured prominently among STEM successes to the apparent exclusion of Euro- and Afro- and Lationo-Americans, we and our children are lampooned and impugned. Have some shame will you?
10
I think it had more to do with the basic science focus of the STS, which was at odds with Intel's interests in promoting engineering and flashy "applicable" science.
1
Shame on Intel for abandoning their opportunity to be something more than just a chip maker. Perhaps Intel came to believe they were sponsoring an opportunity for their competition to identify talent? This is clearly not about the money for Intel. It appears their image priorities are more about cute TV commercials and less about philanthropic gains which have made a huge difference to thousands of bright lights who illuminate the future of our planet. A corporation worthy of this stature will come along to associate themselves with this great endeavor going forward, and we will find that we are better off without a chipmaker posing to be something more significant.
7
If it doesn't directly serve next quarter's profits... cut it!
That's the economic gospel of the twenty-first century.
That's the economic gospel of the twenty-first century.
16
It's much more the economic gospel of Ronald Reagan and his acolytes and co-religionists. "Greed is good." And intentional stupidity is better.
This is very sad news. Although the United States excels in scientific research at the graduate school level and beyond, there is little focus, recognition, or encouragement offered to adolescents to excel in science in the United States. We import a lot of our science talent and some of that talent is choosing to go to European countries or staying home to develop their ideas. Hopefully, the sponsorship will be picked up by another company or consortium. Mr Gates? Mr. Ellison? Mr.s Brin and Page? Anyone?
8
Perhaps the Talent Search will be picked up by Koch Industries, with the stipulation that there will be no projects dealing with climate change or renewable energy.
29
I know you meant this with a heavy amount of snark, but David Koch would actually be the perfect sponsor.
He is big on science, and already sponsors Nova on PBS, cancer research at Sloan-Kettering, research at MIT, etc. All non-partisan charitable gifts.
He is big on science, and already sponsors Nova on PBS, cancer research at Sloan-Kettering, research at MIT, etc. All non-partisan charitable gifts.
3
Also that each student entering the competition submit a 2,000-word essay praising Ayn Rand.
2
I can't imagine Bronx High School of Science not having its annual frenzy of activity surrounding this competition.
15
Judging from the picture of the finalists, it was probably determined that the contest wasn't promoting the right kind of "diversity". The decision to end the sponsorship is probably related to Intel reaching a settlement with Rainbow Push to do more to promote opportunities for underrepresented minority groups. Look for the funds that formerly sponsored this contest to be redeployed for more politically correct "diversity" rather than awarding achievement based on merit.
19
If by "diversity" you mean "more winning projects in engineering," you may just be correct.
That's what I thought. Too many Asians and not enough Blacks and Hispanics. But then, how many Asians are in the NBA or NFL? Oh, well.
1
Dave, are you saying we need some affirmative action based lawsuits against the NBA and NFL? Is that not racist?
1
Make this a government run competition. This is a valid and important use of my tax dollars and I think many if not most agree with me. At least compared to some of the other things we spend on, like a bloated military far beyond its necessary size to maintain our security. This competition is a drop of water compared to buckets.
When extremely rich corporations can't find the will to fund something obviously important and influential and inexpensive, something that raises the entire country's image and prestige on the world stage, never mind the corporation's, then it's time for conservatives to admit and understand you can't depend upon charity.
When extremely rich corporations can't find the will to fund something obviously important and influential and inexpensive, something that raises the entire country's image and prestige on the world stage, never mind the corporation's, then it's time for conservatives to admit and understand you can't depend upon charity.
5
Admit and understand? That's two things conservatives cannot do. In anything.
The equality-of-outcome mentality of the government makes it impossible to have any government-run program that is based on merit.
Google or Tesla should be the next sponsor.
Can't believe IBM is stepping away, makes no sense
Can't believe IBM is stepping away, makes no sense
3
Are you mixing IBM with Intel?
"Dropping support for the high school contest is a puzzling decision by Intel,"
-- Indeed it is.
It seems America has lost its way.
Why bother with research, with infrastructures, with public transit, with high-speed rail, with science, we are already number one, aren't we?
-- Indeed it is.
It seems America has lost its way.
Why bother with research, with infrastructures, with public transit, with high-speed rail, with science, we are already number one, aren't we?
7
Such a pity. With the United States already lagging behind industrialized nations in many subjects scholastically, this cannot help but signal to many (school systems, teachers and above all students) that Big Business truly does not value the future of this country: its youth.
9
Intel, what are you thinking? You will lose more in goodwill from this than it cost to keep, and that would've generated goodwill! Let alone the tax write off! Just plain dumb and shortsighted for such a wealthy company! Why did you want it in the first place?
20
I think this is just one aspect of a far bigger goal of former "tech" (now marketing) companies away from pursuing more powerful and capable computing for the general public, toward constrained and suppressed devices that often don't even let the user run anything the companies don't approve (tablets, iThings, and now Windows 10 with its anti-"counterfeit software" phone-homery).
Now that technology is powerful "enough" for the companies (for the users, less so), Intel won't care. If AMD gets all uppity and starts making profit from anything other than Intel's x64 payments, why then Intel can just start selling their still-vaulted products and claim they're at the forefront of innovation and free-market competition. (Hint: nope.)
Now that technology is powerful "enough" for the companies (for the users, less so), Intel won't care. If AMD gets all uppity and starts making profit from anything other than Intel's x64 payments, why then Intel can just start selling their still-vaulted products and claim they're at the forefront of innovation and free-market competition. (Hint: nope.)
1
wow. i didn't think intel was hurting that bad, but if they are pinching pennies this hard the end is near.
14
Disappointing. It illustrates rather well why private industry is, at this time, merely a supporting player in R&D that is done in the national interest or for the general, global public good.
12
Apple Inc. of Cupertino (178 Billion Cash On Hand)
You are now up at bat! Please fund this worthy endeavor.
You are now up at bat! Please fund this worthy endeavor.
2
Here's the way these decisions get made. Even though $6,000,000 per year is affordable in the context of Intel's overall revenue (it's quoted to be 0.01% of overall revenue), it's a larger percentage of profit. (Profit being considerably less than revenue.)
With a company like Intel, there is intense competition on the part of bright scientists and engineers hoping to advance their careers by succeeding in their work. That work involves carrying out projects - which are costly.
So, somewhere within Intel there are disappointed engineers and scientists, and their managers, who have not been able to attract the internal funding they need to move their potentially important projects forward. In fact, there are going to be many of them.
In this context, the $6,000,000 is not a small sum at all. It's a plum.
That's undoubtedly how this decision got made. The $6,000,000 will be allocated to other priorities that are aligned with Intel's business.
With a company like Intel, there is intense competition on the part of bright scientists and engineers hoping to advance their careers by succeeding in their work. That work involves carrying out projects - which are costly.
So, somewhere within Intel there are disappointed engineers and scientists, and their managers, who have not been able to attract the internal funding they need to move their potentially important projects forward. In fact, there are going to be many of them.
In this context, the $6,000,000 is not a small sum at all. It's a plum.
That's undoubtedly how this decision got made. The $6,000,000 will be allocated to other priorities that are aligned with Intel's business.
22
"The $6,000,000 will be allocated to other priorities that are aligned with Intel's business."
That's exactly why this is such sad news. This competition should be a priority for Intel. it aligns well with its commitment to STEM education, women in science, etc. I guess they rather have a maker reality TV show with $1M prize.
This is a very short sighted decision.
That's exactly why this is such sad news. This competition should be a priority for Intel. it aligns well with its commitment to STEM education, women in science, etc. I guess they rather have a maker reality TV show with $1M prize.
This is a very short sighted decision.
3
"The $6,000,000 will be allocated to other priorities that are aligned with Intel's business."
What a delightfully euphemistic way to say "go find another charity, kids." Much like telling a laid-off worker that "your presence is not aligned with our business."
Gotta love corporatespeak!
What a delightfully euphemistic way to say "go find another charity, kids." Much like telling a laid-off worker that "your presence is not aligned with our business."
Gotta love corporatespeak!
3
"Here's the way these decisions get made. Even though $6,000,000 per year is affordable in the context of Intel's overall revenue (it's quoted to be 0.01% of overall revenue), it's a larger percentage of profit. (Profit being considerably less than revenue.)"
Intel's net income in 2014 was $9.6 billion, $6 million is about .063% of net income. Furthermore, Intel's marketing expenditure in 2014 was $8.1 billion.
This decision by Intel cannot be justified by financial considerations since the Talent Search was part of Intel's brand. It is yet another signal of the decline in Intel's leadership, similar to what Carly Fiorina's did for HP.
Intel's net income in 2014 was $9.6 billion, $6 million is about .063% of net income. Furthermore, Intel's marketing expenditure in 2014 was $8.1 billion.
This decision by Intel cannot be justified by financial considerations since the Talent Search was part of Intel's brand. It is yet another signal of the decline in Intel's leadership, similar to what Carly Fiorina's did for HP.
24
Excellent way for Intel to signal to the world's consumers that it is no longer interested in being at the forefront of science.
I think they fail to grasp how much such a perception may shape consumer demand for their products - which is, after all, based on perception, since most consumers are not knowledgeable enough about the specifics of their products to weigh them on the merits.
I think they fail to grasp how much such a perception may shape consumer demand for their products - which is, after all, based on perception, since most consumers are not knowledgeable enough about the specifics of their products to weigh them on the merits.
40
When a management team is capable of making a mistake this dumb one has to ask, what else are they doing?
64
Corporate decisions, you never know why they are made.
2
This is a really stupid move by a company as large and successful as Intel. The branding exposure and goodwill generated by the annual Science Talent Search far outweigh the actual monetary costs.
I would expect a smarter science/tech company to swoop-in and immediately establish a new contest similar to the Intel contest, and begin to reap the benefits. From a recruiting standpoint alone, the contest would seem to be worth the money.
I would expect a smarter science/tech company to swoop-in and immediately establish a new contest similar to the Intel contest, and begin to reap the benefits. From a recruiting standpoint alone, the contest would seem to be worth the money.
32