Dear Friend of the State Science and Engineering Fair of Florida,

We have established a Friends of the State Science & Engineering Fair (SSEF) of Florida Fund with the purpose of raising funds to support both the operational expenses of the annual SSEF and to establish the resources needed to meet the mission of the Florida Foundation for Future Scientists to recognize and reward the talented students of Florida for their academic pursuits through STEM research.

The SSEF is only possible through the many teachers, administrators, corporate members and individuals who volunteer thousands of hours each year. The SSEF is the largest Academic Competition in the state of Florida. Each year more than 900 aspiring scientists in grades six through twelve participate as Finalists from the 37 affiliated Regional Science and Engineering Fairs (representing all 67 counties in Florida). More than 200,000 students are involved at local school and regional levels before being selected as a Finalist for the SSEF.

We are the most successful Science and Engineering Fair in the world as our participants have won more awards and recognition at the International Science and Engineering Fair than any other state or nation.

The Florida Foundation for Future Scientists (FFFS) has been charged by the legislature to administer the SSEF each year since 1957. We continue to experience decreases in financial support. The FFFS is organized and registered as a Florida Corporation not-for-profit, and is designated as a 501c(3) non-profit organization by the Internal Revenue Service (59-6155014).

We are asking you to help in any way you can. If you work for a company that employs scientists and/or engineers, please send us information on who to contact for corporate support.

We are also asking you, as an individual or organization, to support us so we can continue to provide the opportunity for the students of Florida to compete in this annual intellectual and academic competition. This competition provides a much needed opportunity for students that are interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields to compete and network through interviews with expert scientists from our science community. A high percentage of our Finalists have become science professionals in your community.

We ask you to consider supporting the Friends of the State Science & Engineering Fair (SSEF) of Florida Fund so that we may continue our tradition. It is with your generosity and dedication that we will be able to provide a rewarding and memorable experience for the future scientists of Florida.

Please complete the Donation Gift Form and send it with your gift to Florida Foundation for Future Scientists (FFFS), P.O. Box 67, 32733. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. You can also donate online using your credit card from the link above.

Cordially,
Nancy Besley
FFFS Executive Director
director@ssefflorida.com