SESF is a 501c3 non profit organization. TechTest is supported by SESF Board members, community members at large (including donors from out of state), and for profit businesses. Every penny contributed by donors goes toward the scholarships. SESF is an all volunteer organization with no paid staff. SESF is not connected to CABPRO. Background on the exam: while members of the SESF board sat at NUHS's scholarship night several years ago to present a $500 scholarship to a student for designing the SESF logo it was noticed that not one scholarship was focused on Technology/math/science. It appeared that the vast majority of scholarships were earned in the areas of athletics and the arts. Shortly after, SESF decided to hold a merit based math/science exam to help promote technical careers and technical education. In the interest of promoting math/science education previous TechTests have been available on the SESF website. A couple months following the exam SESF hosts a "Survivor Breakfast" to congratulate each student who attempted the grueling exam. At this breakfast the donors are also encouraged to attend and mingle with the "survivors." In addition to breakfast each "surviving test taker" receives a "TechTest Survivor" t-shirt. Historically, the winners names are not made public until the Nevada Joint Union High School District's scholarship night. In 2009 SESF was contacted by Congressman McClintock's office because the Congressman wished to express his appreciation for the students taking the exam. In 2009, the winner was presented with a signed certificate of appreciation by the Congressman. The students accomplishments are the focus of the "TechTest Survivor Breakfast" and as such there is not keynote speaker or "entertainment." Regarding the exam: It was decided early on by the SESF board, Donors and education committee that the test needed to be "university level" to weed out the best from the existing great minds and to give students from different school districts an "even playing field."
Michael McDaniel
Removed for failure to contribute to the discussion.
Posted by: Anna Haynes | March 30, 2010 at 02:03 PM