SUNY's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering and Girls Inc. announce Eureka! program participation to more than double

In support of Governor Andrew Cuomo's strategic vision to enable innovation-driven educational opportunities and further develop New York's high-tech workforce, SUNY's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) and Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region (Girls Inc.) announced that nearly 60 girls will participate in the second year of the CNSE-Girls Inc. Eureka!® program - more than doubling the number of participants - and that RBC Capital Markets will join SEFCU and CNSE in providing combined funding exceeding $300,000 for the nation's first-of-its-kind initiative that gives young women a chance to explore nanotechnology. "This program provides a fantastic opportunity for young women to explore nanotechnology in Albany, the global epicenter of the industry," said Lieutenant Governor Robert J. Duffy. "Under Governor Cuomo's leadership and with the hard work and dedication put forth by Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros, the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering continues to provide our youth with a world-class education, and it is our hope that programs like this will continue to motivate New York students across the state for years to come. I commend all those that worked so hard to put the CNSE-Girls Inc. Eureka! ® program together, and congratulate the program for its continued success." "We are grateful to RBC Capital Markets for providing critical funding for the Eureka!® program, which embodies Governor Andrew Cuomo's leadership in creating educational, workforce development, and high-tech career opportunities for all New Yorkers," said Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros, Senior Vice President and CEO of CNSE. "This unique partnership between CNSE and Girls Inc., enabled by the support of RBC and SEFCU, builds on the Governor's blueprint for creating new opportunities for underrepresented social groups in science and engineering, as well as increasing participation among women- and minority-owned business enterprises in New York's fast-growing nanotechnology economy." "Girls Inc. is delighted to work with our newest partner, RBC, as well as with SUNY's CNSE and SEFCU, to help even more girls learn about the amazing opportunities that are available to them in nanotechnology through the Eureka!® program," said Ashley L. Jeffrey, Executive Director of Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region. "Engaging young women with this unique approach to learning allows each participant's mind, body, and spirit to grow at the critical young adolescent stage when choices greatly influence their future. Expanding this program will pay dividends, not only for the girls who take part in the experience, but also for the communities they inhabit." "RBC is proud to support the CNSE-Girls Inc. nanotechnology-based Eureka!® program in order to help motivate these bright young women to become the scientists, engineers and technology leaders of tomorrow," said Chris Hamel, Head of U.S. Municipal Finance at RBC Capital Markets. "Through responsible community investment and by working with organizations like SUNY's CNSE and Girls Inc., we can play a role in building a bright future in the Capital Region, throughout New York State, and in the communities in which we live and work." "SEFCU is proud to continue our work with CNSE and Girls Inc. with this innovative program that piques the interest of kids in the Capital Region," said Michael J. Castellana, SEFCU President and CEO. "As our region continues to strengthen its position as the capital of scientific research and nanosciences, it is critical that we encourage children of all ages to explore the possibilities of careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This program allows this exploration in a college setting in which they can see enriching educational and career paths with the hope that we spark the interest of future STEM professionals," Castellana added. RBC has committed to funding this summer's cost of the five-year Eureka!® program for the second class of 30 girls. SEFCU is continuing to support the first Eureka!® class, which consists of 24 girls, by providing funding for all five years of their nanotechnology-based experience. Additionally, both RBC and SEFCU are spearheading educational modules related to financial literacy, leadership development, workforce preparation, and community service in order to promote participants' self-esteem and personal development. Designed to engage underserved populations within the cities of Albany and Schenectady, the girls spend the first two years of the program taking part in an intensive four-week summer camp at CNSE's Albany NanoTech Complex. The curriculum includes a variety of hands-on activities that explore advanced nanoscience concepts and applications, including forensic DNA fingerprinting, wafer patterning, microfluidics and microcontact printing, cell encapsulation and therapy, and clean energy through investigations of fuel cells and photovoltaics. In years three through five, each girl partners with a mentor to complete an independent research project, participates in paid internships with local businesses and organizations, and engages in college preparatory activities. The students also take part in a number of popular CNSE outreach events to share what they have learned, including Community Day, when they conduct experiments for thousands of people who visit the NanoCollege during NANOvember, part of a month-long series of nanotechnology-related events. CNSE Girls Incorporated