DuPont Challenge(C) is Designed to Increase Science Literacy, Help Students Excel

DuPont (NYSE: DD) has issued the call for entries to The DuPont Challenge 2008 Science Essay Competition. One of the leading science and technology education programs in the United States and Canada, the DuPont ChallengeA(c) is now in its 22nd year of inspiring students to excel and achieve. This competition attracted more than 10,000 entries in 2007.

“We wish to help increase scientific literacy among students in a society where success depends on an ever-increasing need for a technically educated citizenry,” said DuPont Senior Vice President and Chief Science & Technology Officer Uma Chowdhry. “We also aim to motivate students to develop skills and gain confidence in communicating scientific ideas.”

The DuPont Challenge gives students the opportunity to write a 700- 1,000-word essay discussing a scientific discovery, theory, event, or technological application that has captured their interest. The range of possible essay topics is as broad as science itself. Essays are judged based on ideas and content; mechanics and conventions; organization; style and creativity; and originality. All entries must be received by Jan. 28, 2008.

Students from grades 7-12 are eligible to take part in the Challenge, and essays are evaluated in two divisions: Junior Division (grades 7, 8, and 9) and Senior Division (grades 10, 11, and 12). DuPont and its collaborating partners are offering cash prizes totaling more than $25,000.

The DuPont ChallengeA(c) is sponsored by DuPont in collaboration with The Walt Disney WorldA(R) Resort, NASA, and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA). In each division, the first place winner will receive $3,000 and an expenses-paid trip to The Walt Disney World Resort and Kennedy Space Center, accompanied by a parent. Four finalists in each division will win $1,000 each, and honorable mentions will receive $100 each.

In recognition of the role that dedicated teachers play in encouraging students to excel, the DuPont ChallengeA(c) also will recognize the unique contributions made by the science teachers of the winning students. Each sponsoring teacher of a first place winner will receive a $500 Educational Award, an expenses-paid trip with the student and parent to The Walt Disney World Resort and Kennedy Space Center, and an expenses-paid, DuPont- sponsored trip to the 2009 NSTA national conference to be held in New Orleans. Sponsoring science teachers of the four finalists in each division will receive a $250 Educational Award.

“Throughout its 22 years, the DuPont Challenge has honored the heroes who died in the 1986 Challenger space shuttle disaster. In a broader sense, it honors all who work to understand and improve the world through the use of the scientific method — and it strives to encourage the next generation to explore the frontiers of science,” Chowdhry said.

For more information about The DuPont Challenge 2008 Science Essay Competition, including a copy of all rules, regulations and entry forms, students and teachers should visit The DuPont Challenge website at http://www.thechallenge.dupont.com, or call P.J. Simon, DuPont Challenge administrator, at 302-695-2554. For a copy of rules, regulations and entry form, students may write to: The DuPont ChallengeA(c), DuPont Office of Education, P.O. Box 80357, Wilmington, DE 19880-0030.

DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont(TM), The miracles of science(TM), and DuPont ChallengeA(c) are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.

Walt Disney World is a registered trademark of Walt Disney Company.