SAS wins Change the Equation STEM video contest

Analytics leader promotes science, technology, engineering and math education

CARY, NC - For years, SAS has advocated for efforts to improve the US education system, specifically efforts around science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). So when Change the Equation, an initiative to improve STEM education in which SAS is a partner, created a “STEM is Cool” video contest, the company jumped at the chance to participate.

The SAS video was named a co-winner after amassing almost 900 votes on Facebook and YouTube since the contest was launched just over two weeks ago, placing it ahead of 16 other video submissions. The video includes testimonials from SAS employees about the value of STEM, and the exciting work they do.

“As a high-tech company, SAS is full of people who could testify to the value of STEM,” said Caroline McCullen, Director of SAS Education Initiatives. “Their educational background has prepared them to thrive in today’s work force, and to work on the cutting edge of analytics technology at one of the best places to work in America. Supporting Change the Equation is just part of our efforts to get more students interested in pursuing STEM careers.”

Change the Equation is a collaboration among corporations, the White House, statehouses nationwide, and education and foundation communities. SAS joined the effort because it is dependent on an effective STEM education system to provide qualified talent for itself and its customers. Scott McQuiggan is one of those talented individuals, developing several new SAS® iPad apps, including SAS Flash Cards.

“My STEM background in computer science enables me to contribute to SAS innovations that are used around the world,” said McQuiggan, who holds masters and doctoral degrees in computer science from North Carolina State University. “In particular, I am fortunate to work on a team that focuses on solving educational problems, creating new technologies that engage students like never before.”

SAS has a lengthy tradition of supporting STEM education, including multiple philanthropic and technology efforts.

In December 2008, Jim Goodnight made SAS® Curriculum Pathways ® available free to all US educators. Used by thousands of students and teachers in every state, the Web-based resource for high schools, community colleges, virtual schools and home schools provides content in the core disciplines of English, mathematics, social studies, science and Spanish.

SAS is a founding member of numerous technology education initiatives:

* The North Carolina 1:1 Learning Technology Initiative, a public-private partnership, provides laptops, professional development and critical support to rural schools.In Redesigned Schools 2.0, two districts create highly successful schools that demonstrate effective, technology-enhanced teaching practices. Using data to guide and strengthen learning and teaching, as well as SAS Curriculum Pathways and 1:1 computing, the schools aim for 100 percent graduation rates, employing technology to increase engagement and transform teaching and learning.
* The Triangle High Five Algebra Readiness Initiative helps mathematics teachers identify and engage in effective instructional practices and address disparities in achievement related to race and income.

Through SAS programming for high school, any US high school educator can provide students with relevant curriculum and current technology skills. Learning SAS gives students a distinct advantage in furthering their education and careers. The company supplies course materials, software and teacher training.

SAS provides SAS OnDemand for Academics, which quickly and easily delivers the power of SAS software to higher education, at no cost to professors and students worldwide. This is critical for students learning advanced data analysis to solve classroom and real-world problems.

In 2007, SAS and North Carolina State University partnered to create the Institute for Advanced Analytics to promote graduate education in analytics. A unique and intensive one-year advanced analytics master’s degree gives students an understanding of analytical concepts and hands-on experience with the same powerful tools used in industry today.

About SAS
SAS is the leader in business analytics software and services, and the largest independent vendor in the business intelligence market. Through innovative solutions delivered within an integrated framework, SAS helps customers at more than 50,000 sites improve performance and deliver value by making better decisions faster. Since 1976 SAS has been giving customers around the world The Power to Know® .