In anticipation of the release of the film “Hidden Figures,” which tells the true story of black women who made invaluable contributions to NASA during the 1960s space race, PepsiCo and 21st Century Fox are teaming up to find the next generation of female scientists.
Emerging young women in STEM fields of science, technology, engineering, and math can win New York Academy of Sciences STEM skills training materials and programs, up to $200,000 in scholarships and grants, and a trip to the Kennedy Space Center in Orlando, Florida.
Written by Allison Schroeder and the film’s director, Theodore Melfi, and based on the book by Margot Lee Shetterly, “Hidden Figures” tells the “incredible untold story of Katherine G. Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe), brilliant African-American women working at NASA, who served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit, a stunning achievement that restored the nation’s confidence, turned around the Space Race, and galvanized the world. The visionary trio crossed all gender and race lines to inspire generations to dream big.”
“Hidden Figures” is now officially an awards season contender. Fox is giving the film a qualifying run with a limited release on December 25. The wide release has also moved up a week to January 6.
The contest rules read: “If you’re a female with talent in STEM who hasn’t yet been recognized for her great work or potential, this is your chance: Tell us how you’ll use STEM to change the world, and you could win $50,000 in scholarship money, plus exciting opportunities that will help you pursue the work you love. We have two opportunities — junior and professional — so choose the age group that’s right for you and apply by December 10!”
Check out the video below and head to SearchForHiddenFigures.com for more information about the contest and to enter.
