Novartis Creates Science Lab And Program At Link Community School To Inspire The Next Generation Of Young Innovators

• Ribbon-cutting ceremony held today at Link Community School in Newark, NJ
• $300,000 commitment to Link Community School part of broader Novartis commitment to support science education
• Establishes formal mentoring program pairing Novartis scientists with Link students to foster interest in sciences and encourage students to pursue science careers

Novartis US Foundation and Link Community School recently unveiled the Novartis Science Lab and Program at Link. Link Community School, an independent middle school, provides an outstanding education for adolescents from economically disadvantaged families in Newark, NJ. Funding for the design and construction of the science lab and development of a science curriculum program was provided by the Novartis US Foundation as part of a five-year, $300,000 commitment to support science education at Link School.

“We are proud to provide this science lab and interactive science program to Link as part of the Novartis commitment to enrich science education by supporting high quality science programs at local schools,” said Robert Pelzer, President and Head of Legal Affairs at Novartis Corporation and member of the Board of Trustees of the Novartis US Foundation. “Novartis supports numerous local, national, and international organizations that strive to expand opportunities for science education and inspire students to pursue careers in science.”

Need for improvements in STEM education
There is a growing need to interest today’s students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and improve their scores in math and science. Experts have repeatedly stated that the US needs to make a sustained investment in STEM education in order to ensure a strong future for America as a global leader in technology and innovation.

According to the US Department of Commerce, Economics and Statistics Administration (ESA), STEM workers have a significant impact on a country’s economic growth and overall standard of living and STEM careers are essential for driving innovation and global competitiveness. In the US, the ESA predicts that STEM occupations will grow by 17 percent, compared to 9.8 percent for non-STEM occupations by 2018.¹ Of concern, however, is that the US currently ranks only 47th out of 144 economies in quality of math and science education in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report² and almost half of high school students don’t plan to pursue a career in healthcare or science, per a recent Harris Interactive poll.³

Novartis hopes to help increase students’ interest in science education by supporting engaging programs that motivate students to explore a future in science, helping to build a talent pool not only for Novartis Group Companies, but for the entire healthcare industry.< /p>

Creating a unique learning environment for deserving youth
In addition to the construction of a state-of-the-art science lab, the Novartis US Foundation commitment to Link Community School includes support and funding for the school’s science program and for science-related activities, such as research projects, academic competitions, hands-on experiments and field trips, which complement classroom learning.

The science program also includes a formal mentoring program for Link students. The Novartis Science Mentoring Program pairs scientists and researchers from Novartis Group Companies with seventh and eighth grade students with the aim of increasing attendance and involvement at school, improving self-confidence and motivation, and inspiring students to consider pursuing careers in the sciences.

“We strive to provide students with the experience, knowledge and skills necessary to contribute in a complex world.  With many urban students falling behind their suburban peers in math and science, Link is committed to delivering an exceptional program in these areas,” said Maria Pilar Paradiso, head of Link Community School. “We are very grateful to the Novartis US Foundation for helping to sustain our efforts to bridge the gaps that exist in science education for urban students and enable our teachers to provide a rigorous education to help prepare our students for the challenges of high school science.”

Link Community School, founded as a non-denominational, independent middle school by the Sisters of St. Dominic, Caldwell in 1969, offers an excellent education to youth with a wide range of abilities from families of limited means in Newark and the surrounding area. Link provides a rigorous college-bound academic program, extra-curricular activities and experiences to enhance knowledge and skills, and a core value system for personal development, thus providing the foundation for success in high school, college, and beyond. For more information, visit www.linkschool.org.

About Novartis US Foundation
The Novartis US Foundation was established in 1997 as part of Novartis’ commitment to social investment. Its mission is to support programs within communities and nonprofit organizations on a range of social, health and educational issues related to Novartis’ interests in healthcare. The Novartis US Foundation seeks to invest in programs that provide long-standing community ties and fulfill its corporate mission, vision and values.

Novartis US Foundation is a part of Novartis AG which provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, eye care, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventive vaccines and diagnostic tools, over-the-counter and animal health products. Novartis is the only global company with leading positions in these areas. In 2011, the Group achieved net sales of USD 58.6 billion, while approximately USD 9.6 billion (USD 9.2 billion excluding impairment and amortization charges) was invested in R&D throughout the Group. Novartis Group companies employ approximately 126,000 full-time-equivalent associates and operate in more than 140 countries around the world. For more information, visit http://www.novartis.com.

References

1. ”US Department of Commerce, Economics and Statistics Administration. “STEM: Good Jobs Now and for the Future, July 2011. http://www.esa.doc.gov/sites/default/files/news/documents/stemfinalyjuly14.pdf
2.  World Economic Forum. Global Competitiveness report 2012-2013, page 361. http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_GlobalCompetitivenessReport_2012-13.pdf
3. University of the Science and Harris Interactive Poll, September 2012. http://www.usciences.edu/newsEvents/newsDetails.aspx?Channel=%2FChannels%2FAdmissions%2FAdmissions+Content&WorkflowItemID=61a1f646-130e-4372-afe0-a60e61b9a359