The finalist schools, to be honored in September at an awards reception in Washington, D.C., serve as outstanding examples of leaders in preparing tomorrow's innovators.

Each of the 18 schools will receive a $5,000 award from the Intel Foundation and a trip to Washington, D.C. in September, where 6 schools will be named Intel Schools of Distinction. These 6 schools will each win an additional $5,000 from the Intel Foundation and a package of goods and services valued at approximately $100,000. The packages will include hardware, software and teacher professional development products, all contributed by award sponsors who share Intel's commitment to improving and supporting math and science education in the United States.

One of the six schools will also be selected as "Star Innovator" and will receive $25,000 from the Intel Foundation, and additional prizes and services from sponsors.

Intel sponsors the Schools of Distinction Awards to honor schools for implementing innovative math and science programs and serving as models for other schools.

"It is essential that U.S. schools invest in math and science education," said Shelly Esque, vice president, Legal and Corporate Affairs director, Corporate Affairs Group. "Because such investment is critical to maintain U.S. competitiveness in a global economy, the schools recognized as Intel Schools of Distinction are contributing in a significant way to preparing students for the future."

The Schools of Distinction honors schools in science that provide a rich science curriculum incorporating hands-on investigative experiences that prepare students for 21st century jobs. Programs encourage student achievement in sciences and engineering, while simultaneously helping students become knowledgeable consumers of news and data in order to be active and informed citizens. The Schools of Distinction honors schools in mathematics that offer their students a rigorous, challenging and engaging program that teaches mathematics skills and how to apply them to solve real-life problems, approach projects as a member of a team, and communicate succinctly on the subject.

The 18 finalist schools are:

Mathematics

Elementary

George Hall Elementary School, Mobile, AL
Lincoln Avenue Academy, Lakeland, FL
West Elementary School, Wamego, KS

Middle

Coppell Middle School North, Coppell, TX
M.S. 223 The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology, Bronx, NY
Richardson Prep Hi Middle School, San Bernardino, CA

High

Evanston Township High School, Evanston, IL
North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, Durham, NC
Payton College Preparatory High School, Chicago, IL

Science

Elementary

Arlington Science Focus Elementary School, Arlington, VA
Crestview Elementary School, San Antonio, TX
Westdale Heights Academic Magnet School, Baton Rouge, LA

Middle

Edison Computech Middle School, Fresno, CA
Number 28 School, Jersey City, NJ
Roxbury Preparatory Charter School, Roxbury, MA

High

Sacred Heart Academy, Hamden, CT
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Alexandria, VA
West Geauga High School, Chesterland, OH

For more information on the Intel Schools of Distinction Awards visit: www.intel.com/education/schoolsofdistinction.

Intel's sponsorship of the Schools of Distinction Awards is part of the Intel® Education Initiative, a sustained public-private partnership with governments in more than 50 countries. Through this $100 million a year initiative, Intel delivers programs that improve the effective use of technology to enhance 21st century skills, and encourages excellence in mathematics, science and engineering. For more information, visit: www.intel.com/education.