Gov. Brewer proclaims February science, tech month

Proclamation kicks off second annual Arizona SciTech Festival

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer has issued a proclamation declaring February 2013 “Arizona Science and Technology Month.” This proclamation coincides with the launch event for the state’s Second Annual Arizona SciTech Festival, a six-week celebration of scientific wonders, resources and opportunities throughout Arizona and the global impact of each.

“Arizona is focused on ushering in the next generation of great scientific and technological leaders and must cultivate the scientific talents of all of its students,” said Brewer. “Public celebrations of science, technology and education, such as the SciTech Festival, are critical to raising the awareness of the impact that science and technology have in our daily lives.”

This year’s SciTech Festival runs Feb. 6 to March 17 in venues around the state. It includes more than 300 workshops, conversations and debates, exhibitions, concerts, guided tours, and events geared toward entertaining audiences of all ages. This is an increase from 200 events last year.

“This SciTech Festival is a true statewide collaboration, bringing together more than 350 public and private-sector organizations with one purpose: promote the vital roles of science, engineering, technology and math (STEM) in Arizona,” said Jeremy Babendure, director of the Arizona SciTech Festival. 

The Arizona Commerce Authority, Arizona Science Center, Arizona Technology Council, Arizona State University and The University of Arizona are this year’s Foundational Partners.

“Fostering the advancement of science, technology, engineering and math, and the industries they support, is vital to Arizona’s economic growth, market expansion and competitiveness,” said Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority.  “This Festival is a wonderful opportunity for the state to come together and celebrate Arizona’s future innovators.”

“The Arizona SciTech Festival was initiated by the intense desire for quality education and a qualified workforce to fulfill projected needs for up-and-coming and the fastest growing jobs in the economy,” said Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council. “The Council’s Foundation has worked hard to ensure the Festival’s goal and strategies for success are in sync with the state’s needs and its many economic development partners to strengthen Arizona and position it more competitively.”

“Arizona State University is delighted to have continued participation in this Festival. This enhances opportunities for Arizona's youth to learn and experience STEM through hands-on learning environments within their communities,” said Sethuraman “Panch” Panchanathan, senior vice president of the Office of Knowledge Enterprise Development at ASU. “These events celebrate the wonder of science and inspire students to pursue post-secondary education, research and innovation activities that benefit society."

"The University of Arizona is thrilled to be a part of this statewide STEM effort. The need for a concerted effort to help develop the STEM workforce is crucial, and the Arizona SciTech Festival plays a vital role in this effort," said Elliott Cheu, associate dean and professor of physics at the The University of Arizona

Once again this year, Cox’s SciTech youth reporters will provide up-to-date information on Festival activities on Cox7 Arizona or cox7.com.

“We applaud the wonderful work of our Cox SciTech youth reporters who demonstrate a passion for promoting the amazing Festival events,” said Susan Anable, vice president of Public Affairs for Cox Communications. “We are honored to serve as a Platinum sponsor and help communicate insights of technology innovation in Arizona.”

“The Arizona SciTech Festival provides an opportunity to not only celebrate science, technology, engineering and mathematics but to engage families, communities and businesses in highlighting STEM careers and the important role STEM plays in student academic achievement,” said Paul Luna, Helios Education Foundation president and CEO. “No other statewide event brings communities together around these issues, and we are pleased to partner with the SciTech Festival to help them inspire more students about STEM.”

2013 Arizona SciTech Festival sponsors:

Foundational Partners: Arizona Commerce Authority, Arizona Science Center, Arizona Technology Council, Arizona State University, The University of Arizona

Platinum: Cox Communications, Helios Education Foundation

Gold: Sun Valley Solar Solutions

Silver: ASU Technology Based Learning and Research; Eight, Arizona PBS; Event Interface; KJZZ; State Farm; SciPreneur; Arizona Renaissance Festival; Thomas R. Brown Foundations; US Airways; University of Advancing Technology

Bronze: 360 Vantage, AVNET, Boeing, Chicanos Por La Causa, COMPUGIRLS, Flinn Foundation, Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation, GeoTripwire, Harkins Theatres, Honeywell, Intel, Midwestern University, Phoenix Business Journal, SCF Arizona, SRP, Wells Fargo

Copper: AREA Foundation, Coach & Willies, DeVry University, Green Living, Maricopa Community Colleges, Microsoft, PADT, Pima JTED, Texas Instruments

Krypton: 2nd Saturdays Downtown, AT&T, Bear Essential News for Kids, Children’s Museum Tucson, ImmediaEDU Maricopa Education Service Agency, Orbital, Phoenix IDA, Richard Toon, Science Foundation Arizona

Titanium: You CAN do the Rubik’s Cube, DPR Construction

Arizona SciTech Festival contact:

Jeremy Babendure

Director, Arizona SciTech Festival

(480) 250-7764 or jbabendure@aztechcouncil.org