Science Channel to Launch 'Science Super Heroes Initative' 10/1

In celebration of Science Channel's 20th Anniversary which falls on October 1, 2016, today the network announced it is launching and crowning 'Science Super Heroes'. As the destination for all things science, Science Channel is committed to igniting passion for Science and encouraging the next generation of innovators, problem solvers, and game changers. Recognizing the Science superstars all around us, the new Science Super Heroes initiative recognizes individuals who are furthering Science in local communities across the country. Science Channel's first Super Heroes are Tara Chklovski, Dawn Thompson, and MacCalvin Romain.

Three Science Super Heroes will be nominated monthly from any of the following categories: Super Star (CEO or professional), Shooting Star (super fan), and Rising Star (college student). Each Science Super Hero will be highlighted on-air on Science Channel the first Thursday of the month and across all Science Channel social platforms for the entire month. Shooting Stars and Rising Stars will receive a $2,000.00 gift card to Global Giving where they can donate to a charity of choice. Super Stars will work with Science Channel representatives to mentor and foster science-minded youth in their community.

"For 20 years, Science Channel has cultivated unique programming from diverse talent and producers, making us the destination for space, technology and all things Science for a new generation," said Marc Etkind, General Manager of Science Channel. "I can't think of a better way to mark this anniversary than to celebrate the Science super heroes from our audiences and communities across the country."

Tara Chklovski is the CEO and founder of the global non-profit Iridescent.

Her mission in life has been to transform the opportunities available to young people, especially girls, to reach their full-potential and impact their communities. Tara founded Iridescent in 2006 to create and deliver powerful science, engineering, and technology education to empower underrepresented young people. Iridescent has since grown to a community of over 3,500 mentors and more than 63,000 participants throughout the world through its flagship programs Technovation and CURIOSITY Machine. Forbes highlighted Tara in 2016 as "the pioneer empowering the incredible tech girls of the future" and she was prominently featured in the award-winning documentary Codegirl.

Dawn Thompson met her husband, PUNKIN CHUNKIN cofounder Bill Thompson in 1988, and she's been a passionate Punkin Chunker ever since. Dawn has been present for every major PUNKIN CHUNKIN moment, from the first centrifugal machine to now. When asked about her interest in amateur engineering, Dawn merely says, "I'm pretty good at the mechanical stuff." 'Pretty good' is an understatement coming from the first woman to ever take home a Championship PUNKIN CHUNKIN title, a feat accomplished with her winning air cannon Hormone Blaster on the event's 25th Anniversary. Dawn's passion for mechanics, innovation, and creativity make her a Science Super Hero to backyard engineers everywhere.

MacCalvin Romain is a Boston native currently earning his Master's in Business Administration from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. After earning a Bachelor's of Science in Management and Information Systems from Boston College, MacCalvin worked as an IT Consultant at EMC and as a Managing Business Technologist at DigistasLBI. In 2012 while at DigitasLBI, MacCalvin formed a partnership with Citizens School, a non-profit organization whose mission is to close the opportunity gap for middle schoolers in low-income communities by creating after-school programs that extend the learning day. Looking to blend his passion for technology and innovation with his passion for giving back to his community, MacCalvin recruited members of the Digitas team and launched an after-school curriculum that has brought technology and marketing-based courses to over 250 students in the Boston public school system. Outside of his studies, MacCalvin serves on the Citizen Schools Leadership Council, Massachusetts STEM council, TEDxBoston leadership team, and is the Director of the Wolverine Venture Fund at the University of Michigan.

Science Channel partners and charities featured in the Science Super Heroes initiative include US2020, Iridescent, AAAS, Girls Inc., Mouse, and DIYGirls.

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