President Barack Obama turns chief geek for the annual White House Science Fair, which is focused on strengthening the country's technological workforce.
"The development of world-class talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is critical to America's global leadership. The Obama Administration understands that fostering an open and diverse scientific community that draws from an array of unique experiences and viewpoints is a necessary step to realizing this goal," per a Whitehouse statement.
The current year's science fair is the fourth White House Science Fair and with a special focus to get girls and young women involved in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. Around 100 students, nearly half of them are young women, from 30 states across the country will participate in the annual science fair.
"Supporting women STEM students and researchers is not only an essential part of America's strategy to out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build the rest of the world; it is also important to women themselves. Women in STEM jobs earn 33 percent more than those in non-STEM occupations and experience a smaller wage gap relative to men. And STEM careers offer women the opportunity to engage in some of the most exciting realms of discovery and technological innovation. Increasing opportunities for women in these fields is an important step towards realizing greater economic success and equality for women across the board," added the Whitehouse statement.
The annual science fair usually shows the geekier side of Obama as he relishes the inventions of many people.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), American Association of University Women (AAUW) and Verizon Foundation launched a summer app inventor course focused mainly on girls.
Bill Nye and Kari Byron, hosts of "Mythbusters" and "Head Rush" was present at the science fair and interviewed the young participants.
President Obama has announced a $35 million Education Department competition, which will be used for teacher training programs. The initiative is a part of the government's goal to train 100,000 educators in STEM fields.
Obama has confirmed the expansion of AmeriCorps that will help 18,000 low income students to learn STEM fields this summer. The President will also announce a mentoring program in seven cities across the U.S.
Below is the speech of Obama during the event:
