The Christopher Columbus Awards is a national, community-based science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) program for middle school students. The program challenges the students to work in teams of three to four, with an adult coach, to identify a problem in their community and apply the scientific method to create an innovative solution to that problem.

The Christopher Columbus Awards sponsor, the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation, considers this program the flagship of their awards programs and is proud to provide opportunities for middle school students to make a difference in their communities.

This year, in response to the current economic climate a few modifications to the program's structure have been made and we want to share them with you.

All of the program elements and many of the prizes will remain intact:

• All participating teams will receive certificates of participation and judges' feedback
• Semifinalist teams will receive judges' feedback and T-shirts
• Finalist teams will receive improvement grants, and the teams and coaches will receive a six-day trip to Walt Disney World® for National Championship Week, and will be eligible to receive U.S. Saving Bond prizes.

The modifications for the 2011-2012 competition year are the reduction in the number of finalist teams from eight to six and the deferment of the $25,000 Columbus Foundation Community Grant.

We are making every effort to secure additional funding and restore these elements. If we are successful, we will let you know as soon as possible.

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