Complete Story
02/24/2009
Ohio Soybean Council Foundation Sponsors Awards at State and District Science Days
Contact:
Tom Fontana
Director, Programs and Development
Ohio Soybean Council Foundation
Ohio Soybean Council Foundation sponsors awards at state and district science days
The Ohio Soybean Council Foundation (OSCF) is sponsoring over $3,000 in Ohio Soybean Bioscience Awards at each of the state's 16 District Science Days, as well as the Ohio State Science Day on May 9. OSCF established these awards to encourage the study of bioscience and soybeans, and support today's best and brightest science students who will create tomorrow's innovations in the soybean industry.
"We are excited about the Ohio Soybean Bioscience Awards," said Tom Fontana, OSCF's director of programs and development. "It's amazing what innovations students can create and we want to support their growth, ingenuity and interest in science. They are the future of soy-based bioproduct research and development."
OSCF will be sponsoring three - $100 awards in each of the 16 districts. At the state level, OSCF will give a $1,000 award to the first place finalist, $500 award to the second place finalist and $250 for third place. The awards are available to students in grades 7-12 with projects in the area of agriculture biosciences, bioresources, biopolymers, bioproducts, and/or biofuels using soybeans.
The combination of science and soybeans has produced bioproducts such as environmentally friendly soy-based inks, toners, adhesives and plastics. Home-grown fuels like soy biodiesel improve air quality and reduce dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels.
"The list of new products and materials made from soybeans continues to grow," said Keith Kemp, OSCF chairman. "Supporting students who are interested in becoming a part of this industry will help to ensure its future success."
Last year, 282 students from seventh to 12th grade participated in the Ohio State Science Day in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Overall, students earned nearly 100 scholarships and awards valued at more than $2.9 million.
About Ohio Soybean Council Foundation
Created by the Ohio Soybean Council, the Ohio Soybean Council Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the improvement of the Ohio soybean industry through the support of scientific research and education. For more information: www.soyohio.org.
About the Ohio Soybean Council
Headquartered in Worthington, the Ohio Soybean Council is governed by a 16-member volunteer farmer board, which directs the Soybean Promotion and Research Program. The program's primary goal is to improve soybean profitability by targeting research and development projects through the investment of farmer-contributed funds. For more information: www.soyohio.org.
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