RESULTS

Overview

One of our major programs to interest children in science and inspire them to pursue scientific careers is Abbott Family Science, which actively engages primary school students and their families in learning about science and innovation through experiments and related activities led by Abbott scientists and volunteers. We bring together children aged 6 to 10, along with parents and teachers, for evenings packed with exciting, hands-on experiments in fundamental science. Family Science nights are held in China, Germany, Ireland, Singapore, South Korea and the U.K., as well as California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Ohio, Texas and Puerto Rico. Evaluations of the programs show that children were more than twice as willing to do science activities at home after attending, and that 95 percent of the families placed high value on interacting with Abbott scientists and volunteers.

The Abbott Fund's Science Education program has received the following awards and recognition:
- European "Newcomer" Volunteer Award to Abbott Ireland from European Chamber of Commerce for Family Science and Operation Discovery
- The Asian Citizenship Forum Asian CST Award for innovative science education programs in China, Singapore and South Korea
- "Outstanding Contribution to youth Science Education" from the Shanghai Science Education Center
- Recognition from The House of Representatives Subcommittee on research and Science Education Hearing "Stem in Action: Transferring Knowledge from the Workplace to the Classroom"