OSA Foundation Partners with Rochester Local Section of OSA to Bring Optics Demonstrations to Worldwide Audience

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14--The OSA Foundation (OSAF) announced today that its two-year partnership with the Rochester Local Section of OSA (ROSA) has resulted in the distribution of educational materials to more than 3,500 students in 17 countries through the groups’ Optics Education and Demonstrations Program.

The Optics Education and Demonstrations Program provides Optics Suitcases to teachers and volunteers free of charge. The Optics Suitcase, developed by ROSA in 1999, is an innovative, interactive presentation package designed to introduce middle school students to a variety of science concepts including refraction, reflection and polarization. Each suitcase provides students with packets of materials that can be taken home to show to friends and family members. For many countries, including Israel, Latvia, Romania, Turkey, Brazil and Peru, this was the first time that an Optics Suitcase had been sent there.

“OSA Chapters and Sections have a long history of education outreach, and we are pleased that the Foundation is able to help sustain and expand these efforts,” said Gary Bjorklund, 2008 OSAF chair. “The Optics Suitcase is wonderful tool for bringing the fun and discovery of optics to young students.”

The OSAF has supported the grassroots education initiatives of the Optics Society’s Local Sections and Student Chapters since 2003. If you are interested in requesting an Optics Suitcase, or would like to make a contribution toward this program, please contact the OSA Foundation at foundation@osa.org.

About the OSA Foundation

The OSA Foundation was established in 2002 to support philanthropic activities that help further the Optical Society’s mission by concentrating its efforts on programs that advance youth science education, provide optics education and resources to underserved populations, provide career and professional development resources and support awards and honors that recognize technical and business excellence. The grants funded by the OSA Foundation are made possible by the generous donations of its supporters as well as the dollar-for-dollar match by OSA . The Foundation is exempt from U.S. federal income taxes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is a public charity. To learn more about the OSA Foundation or to find out how to donate, please visit www.osa-foundation.org or e-mail foundation@osa.org.

Media Contact:

Angela StarkOptical Society202.416.1443astark@osa.org