Fifty six high school students of Indian-American community were named amongst the 300 semi-finalists in the Intel Science Talent Search which is considered as America's most prestigious pre-college science competition.

California has the highest number of the semi finalists, 41 out of which seven are Indian Americans, followed by New York 11, Maryland seven, Texas six and the rest of the Indian-Americans are from various other states.

This year's semi-finalists were selected from 1,744 applicants representing 172 schools and are competing for USD 1.25 million in awards.

Each of them receive a USD 1,000 grant. The schools also get USD 1,000 for each semi-finalist named.

Colleges and universities regard the Intel STS Semi-finalist award to be evidence of exceptional academic promise. Each semi-finalist is provided with a certificate of accomplishment, which may be sent with their applications for college admission and scholarships.

From amongst the 300 semi-finalists, 40 finalists will be announced on January 26.

The finalists will attend the Intel Science Talent Institute in Washington DC in March and participate in a final judging process to share USD 630,000 in awards.

STS Alumni have made extraordinary contributions in the field of science and hold more than 100 of the world's most coveted science and maths honours, including seven Nobel prizes and four National Medals of Science.

Read more: 56 Indian-Americans semi-finalists in Intel competition - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/indians-abroad/56-Indian-Americans-semi-finalists-in-Intel-competition/articleshow/7331125.cms#ixzz1CBtKGRao