• About AgustaWestland

CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS FELLOWSHIP FOUNDATION

Mission Statement

The Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation is an independent Federal government agency established by Congress to "encourage and support research, study and labor designed to produce new discoveries in all fields of endeavor for the benefit of mankind." Governed by a Presidential appointed Board of Trustees, the Foundation seeks to nurture and recognize individuals and programs which reflect the visionary spirit and pioneering heritage of Christopher Columbus.

History

In 1992 Americans celebrated the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the Americas, and the United States Congress joined in the commemoration by passing Public Law 102-281, the Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Coins and Fellowship Foundation. The initial funding for the Foundation was derived from the sale of three denominations of specially minted coins sold by the United States Mint from August 1992-June 1993. The Foundation received the coin sales surcharges, which constituted the Foundation's endowment, thus establishing a living legacy of explorer Christopher Columbus.

Purpose

In order to support a broad spectrum of creative thinking and individual and group innovation, the Foundation has established the Frontiers of Discovery--Work in Progress and Discover the Future programs.

Frontiers of Discovery--Work in Progress

Homeland Security Awards

Through the Work in Progress program, the Foundation and AgustaWestland North America present the 2011 Homeland Security Awards which are designed to encourage and promote "cutting edge" innovations in the homeland security area and provide incentive for continuing the research.

Life Sciences Awards

Agriscience Awards

In 2011 the Foundation, in partnership with the American Farm Bureau Federation, will present the Second Annual Agriscience Awards. Eight awards will be presented to those working in the field of agriscience. Two $25,000 Distinguished Agriscience Scientist Awards will be presented to scientists for the development of "cutting edge" innovations in the field of agriscience. In addition, each scientist will received up to $25,000 in research funds to be used to hire graduate students or to be used directly on a specific research project. Three $10,000 Agriscience Educator Awards will be presented to current secondary school educators, with at least five years of teaching experience, who are promoting the study of agriscience to students. Three $5,000 Agriscience Student Awards will be presented to current secondary school students who are making significant and positive contributions related to the study of agriscience. Please visit: http://www.agriscienceawards.com.

Frontiers of Discovery--Discover the Future

Christopher Columbus Awards

In the Future program the Foundation supports competitions for middle school students.  For the 15th year, the Foundation will sponsor the Christopher Columbus Awards, which challenge teams of  middle school students to explore and discover opportunities for positive change in their communities using the scientific method.  Finalist teams win an all-expense-paid trip National Championship Week in Orlando, Florida, where they vie for Gold Medals and U.S. Savings Bonds, and one team will win the $25,000 Columbus Foundation Community Grant which is seed money to take back to their community to make their idea a reality.  The Finalist teams attend the Christopher Columbus Academy, where they explore science, technology and engineering through teamwork as they work behind the scenes at Walt Disney World®.  Please visit: www.christophercolumbusawards.com.