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Nurturing young scientists and engineers

Organization has national, global reach

Caroline Stein leads the sponsorship of and specific projects for the Washington State Science and Engineering Fair. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

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"Will you be there?"

A little girl asked that question of Caroline Stein 16 years ago.

She stayed and offered the child moral support.

Since that day, the Sponsorship and Special Projects Director for the Washington State Science & Engineering Fair (WSSEF), Stein has been "there" for students representing grades 1-12.

Every youngster at each grade level has the chance to earn stimulating prizes and awards. The focus is on promoting future scientists and engineers.

Currently, WSSEF provides more than $1.8 million in donated scholarships, prizes and awards.

A 501(c)3, nonprofit organization, the fair offers possibilities of knowledge, innovation and collaboration to future scientists and engineers throughout the state.

"It is truly inspiring," said Stein, who was in between meetings promoting the fair. "These young people work all year to present to a panel of judges their work - work that has been patented and used in medical research."

The WSSEF began at the Kitsap County Science Fair in 1957, and it was organized and sponsored by the Bremerton Parent Teacher Association and Olympic College.

The fair is still held in Bremerton.

In time, the need for new and innovative scientific and engineering ideas spread, and the fair grew to its current statewide scope.

Since 1985, the top students from the WSSEF have represented Washington state at the International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF), which is held in various cities around the country and world.

Last year, WSSEF sent 20 students to this fair to compete with others from the 49 other states and 70 countries.

"These young people make a difference in our lives and around the world," continued Stein. "It has a global impact."

As to the donations, more than 99 percent of funds received go directly back into awards, prizes and scholarships.

"We receive absolutely no funding from the state or the federal government," explained Stein. "We use the money we receive from all organizations and individuals, to include the Combined Federal (Campaign), to promote future scientists and engineers."

As to the little girl who asked if Stein would "be there?"

She won her first prize that day, self confidence.  

"Contributions make a difference," concluded Stein.

WSSEF's Combined Federal Campaign donation number is 77374.

For more information about WSSEF, visit www.wssef.org, call 360.551.0012, or follow on Facebook at facebook.com/WSSEF.

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