For the first time in 66 years, there are an equal number of female and male finalists.

Forty high school seniors today were named finalists for the Intel Science Talent Search (Intel STS) 2007. The competition is America's oldest and most prestigious high school science competition; six former finalists have won the Nobel Prize and others have been awarded the Fields Medal, the National Medal of Science and MacArthur Foundation fellowships.

Since the inception of the company in 1968, Intel Corporation has been committed to promoting math and science education. Today, through its foundation, Intel invests $100 million annually to promote education and technological literacy around the world. Intel assumed the title sponsorship of Intel STS in 1998, increasing the annual awards and scholarships from $207,000 to $1.25 million. Since then, interest in the competition has risen significantly. In fact, the 1,705 entrants in this year's competition represent record participation for the Intel sponsorship.

Intel Chairman Craig Barrett noted another milestone: "For the first time in the history of the competition, this year's finalists comprise an equal number of young men and women. It's heartening to see so many young women interested in Intel science and technology. Together these young women and men are poised to be the leaders of tomorrow."

"For us," Barrett said, "the Intel Science Talent Search is a chance to play a role in discovering and encouraging scientific innovation. On behalf of Intel, I want to congratulate each finalist on his or her dedication to furthering the boundaries of human knowledge."

This year's Intel STS finalists hail from 20 states - the most in the history of the competition - and represent 38 schools. New York boasts the most finalists from any state with 12, followed by California, Maryland, Michigan and New Jersey, each of which will send three students to Intel STS. For the first time since 1973, a student from North Dakota has been named an STS finalist.

The finalists will travel to Washington, D.C. in March, where they will undergo a rigorous judging process, meet with national leaders, interact with leading scientists and display their research at the National Academy of Sciences. Finalists will receive scholarships totaling $530,000, with the top winner receiving a $100,000 scholarship. Each finalist will also receive a new laptop run with the Intel Core 2 Duo processor.

Science Service, the nonprofit organization which works to advance the understanding and appreciation of science, has administered the STS since its inception in 1942. Elizabeth Marincola, president of Science Service, said, "Intel STS finalists represent the future of American innovation in math, science, and engineering. The 40 students selected this year have dedicated countless hours to address important issues facing people around the world such as cancer treatment, pollution and advanced engineering, scientific and mathematical applications. Science Service is proud to work with Intel to further scientific inquiry and discovery, and to welcome America's brightest young innovators to Washington, D.C. in March."