Washington Gas has awarded a $5,000 grant to Montgomery College in support of the 2013 Maryland High School Science Bowl Competition, hosted by Montgomery College's Rockville Campus Saturday, January 19, 2013. In addition, the company will send more than 20 employee volunteers to assist in the administration of the event. Washington Gas President and Chief Operating Officer, Adrian P. Chapman, will address the high school students and their coaches prior to the competition and talk about careers in the natural gas industry. Washington Gas employees will serve as judges, moderators, and timekeepers for the day of competition.

The Maryland Science Bowl is an academic competition for teams of four to five high school students from around the state. Last year, 20 high schools from nine counties (Allegany, Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's, St. Mary's and Washington) sent 33 teams. The winner of the statewide competition advances to the annual National Science Bowl Competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy.

"We are proud to team with Montgomery College to, once again, support the Maryland Science Bowl and encourage students to pursue careers in science and math," Chapman said. "By providing a grant and volunteers, we are investing in our future workforce. Spending the day with these talented students inspires our employees and helps build a stronger community."

The 2013 Maryland Science Bowl is also supported by Montgomery College's Office of Academic Initiatives and Montgomery College/Montgomery County Public Schools Partnerships.

Additional volunteers come from diverse backgrounds including higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, and companies involved with science, engineering and technology. Those interested in donating their time and encouraging students to pursue math and science must register online at: http://cms.montgomerycollege.edu/edu/forms.aspx?ekfrm=33376.

For more information about the 2013 Maryland Science Bowl, please contact Michael Mehalick, STEM internship coordinator, at michael.mehalick@montgomerycollege.edu or 240-567-4083.