James Lee Witt Talks to Youth at Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge
 October 19, 2005 – James Lee Witt visited the 40 Finalists of the Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge at the University of Maryland and talked about his experiences at FEMA and the importance of science in their lives and the world around them. In addition, Witt discussed his recent experiences in Louisiana dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and encouraged students interested in the sciences and weather to explore an education in emergency management or professions that can change the way we deal with disasters in America.
In 1999, Discovery Communications created the Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge (DCYSC) to be a part of the solution to America's chronic underachievement in science and math. The competition responds to evidence that academic performance and interest in science among American students declines dramatically as students get older – particularly during the middle school years.
The DCYSC identifies and honors America's top middle school student who demonstrates the best skills in leadership, teamwork and scientific problem solving. In addition, the ability to be an effective science communicator – a goal that reflects Discovery's philosophy that scientific knowledge is most valuable when it is communicated and shared – is a key component of the judging. The winner is named America's "Top Young Scientist of the Year."
More than 9,500 children have entered the DCYSC since its inception. Winners have received more than $500,000 in scholarship awards, federal government recognition and participated in science-related trips that have taken them to the far corners of the globe.
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