Former Astronauts Wendy Lawrence, John Fabian, and Yi So-yeon Scheduled to Appear at Event Co-Sponsored by Google, Boeing, WSECU, and Other Business and Community Leaders
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San Diego, CA, September 25, 2014—Sally Ride Science and the University of Washington Bothell will be hosting a Sally Ride Science Festival on Saturday, October 4, 2014, from 11:00 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. The Festival will take place at the University of Washington Bothell’s campus, and will feature workshops, guest speakers, and a street fair among other attractions, all with a focus on fueling student interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

In addition to its more than two dozen hands-on workshops, the Festival is scheduling appearances by three former astronauts: Captain Wendy Lawrence, a veteran of four space flights with more than 1255 hours in space; John Fabian, who served as a mission specialist on some of the earliest shuttle flights (including STS-7, on which Sally Ride became America’s first woman in space); and Yi So-yeon: a South Korean scientist and astronaut who was that country’s first and only person to fly in space.

The Festival is co-sponsored by the University of Washington Bothell Advisory Board, Boeing, the Washington State Employees Credit Union, Google, and Slalom Consulting, with additional support from Cascadia College, Challenge Island, Spiration, Lease Crutcher Lewis, and American Elements.

For 14 years, Sally Ride Science Festivals have delivered a daylong science and engineering event to engage middle school students—especially girls—in science, technology, engineering and math. The company has held more than 100 festivals on college campuses, attracting hundreds of students, teachers, and parents at each festival. The renowned science education company expects this event to be filled to capacity, with hundreds of students, teachers, and parents in attendance.

“This festival presents a wonderful chance for Seattle area students to see the wide array of STEM fields and careers open to them,” says Sally Ride Science CEO and Co-founder, Dr. Tam O’Shaughnessy. “The hands-on activities and role models at our Festivals can help make STEM opportunities more tangible for the students and for their families. So while it’s a fun day for all who attend, it’s also part of a critical mission as STEM careers can provide some of the best economic opportunities for students. We’re delighted to have this opportunity to once again ignite student interest in STEM, and we thank the University of Washington Bothell and our other sponsors for helping to make it happen.”

The festival is open to the public, and a $20 advance registration fee includes admission to workshops and street fair, and lunch as well (scholarships are available). For more information, please visit www.sallyridescienceuwbfestival.com, or call 1-800-561-5161.

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