FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2008

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today announced that the Governor's Office of Appalachia is again teaming with the Appalachian Regional Commission and the U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory Institute in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to support the Summer Math-Science-Technology Institute, a two-week program for high school students and teachers that provides hands-on learning experiences focusing on math, science and technology. The program provides an all expense paid educational opportunity for selected participants to enhance knowledge in math, science, and technology.

"We are pleased to again partner with the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory to give students the opportunity to explore their interests in careers requiring expertise in math and the sciences," said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "Many of the high technology jobs of the 21st Century require a great deal of skill in these disciplines and it is critical that we elevate students' abilities in these areas so that Ohioans can compete for job opportunities on an international level."

The program is designed for middle-tier students who show potential and may consider college as a result of this experience. Under the guidance of research scientists, high school students and teachers participate in hands-on, multi-research projects in math, science and technology. Students spend time in research laboratories and take field trips to nearby industries, universities and museums. All major expenses, including meals, lodging and transportation to and from home, are paid in full for students and teachers chosen to participate. The program last year allowed seven students and three teachers from Ohio's Appalachian region to work side-by-side with Oak Ridge National Laboratory research scientists exploring practical uses of math and science principals.

"Ohio's 29 Appalachian counties are home to a great number of talented and hardworking students and teachers who represent the very work ethic and determination that have helped Ohioans excel for centuries," said Fred Deel, Director of the Governor's Office of Appalachia. "Without this partnership, many of our region's students and educators may not otherwise have access to such an opportunity. We look forward to again supporting this program and others that enhance opportunities for the communities and people of Appalachian Ohio."

Applications are due February 26 and selected participants will travel to Tennessee July 12 - 25, 2008. Applications are online at www.firstohio.com or through the area's high school guidance counselors.

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory is one of the largest U.S. Department of Energy research facilities in the United States and is located approximately 20 miles northwest of Knoxville, Tennessee.

The Governor's Office of Appalachia is a division of the Department of Development and represents the interests of the 29 counties comprising East Central, Southeast and Southern Ohio. The GOA works on behalf of the Appalachian Regional Commission in Washington, D.C. to support local, regional, state and federal initiatives that allow the people of Ohio's Appalachian region to obtain economic, educational and community prosperity.

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Media contacts: Melissa Ament at (614) 466-6619 or Kimber Perfect at (614) 466-2609