September 26, 2016

(New York) – 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.

About Science Channel

Science Channel, a multi-media business unit of Discovery Communications, is the home of all things science around the clock, including series such as THROUGH THE WORMHOLE WITH MORGAN FREEMAN, OUTRAGEOUS ACTS OF SCIENCE, WHAT ON EARTH?, HOW THE UNIVERSE WORKS, UNEARTHED, HOW IT’S MADE and PUNKIN’ CHUNKIN’. Science Channel’s programming also includes daily news updates with SCIENCE PRESENTS DNEWS and timely, expert-driven specials covering breaking science news and discoveries. Science Channel is the premiere TV, digital and social community for those with a passion for science, space, technology, archeology, and engineering, providing immersive, engaging, high-quality entertainment across all Science Channel assets including: Science Channel television network, available in more than 72 million homes in the U.S; complimentary Video On Demand offering; SCI Go app allowing viewers to catch up on full episodes of their favorite shows anytime; deep video, interactive storytelling and virtual reality at www.sciencechannel.com; and conversations on Science Channel’s popular social platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat via @ScienceChannel.

About Discovery Communications

Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world’s #1 pay-TV programmer reaching nearly 3 billion cumulative subscribers in more than 220 countries and territories. For 30 years Discovery has been dedicated to satisfying curiosity and entertaining viewers with high-quality content through its global television brands, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Investigation Discovery and Science, as well as U.S. joint venture network OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. Discovery controls Eurosport, the leading pan-regional sports entertainment destination across Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools, including an award-winning series of K-12 digital textbooks, through Discovery Education, and a digital leader with a diversified online portfolio, including Discovery Digital Networks. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.

About US2020

US2020 launched at the 2013 White House Science Fair, with the mission to dramatically scale the number of STEM professionals mentoring and teaching students, especially those who have been traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields. US2020 is building national supply and demand for STEM mentors by partnering with Fortune 500 companies and best-in-class nonprofits, and matching committed volunteers with quality programs. US2020 is a division of Citizen Schools, a nonprofit organization in its 20th year of service. Follow US2020 on Twitter @US_2020.

About Iridescent

Iridescent's mission is to empower the world’s underrepresented young people, especially girls, through engineering and technology, to become learners, innovators and leaders. Iridescent accomplishes this by creating and delivering powerful science, engineering and technology education, through its flagship programs Technovation and Curiosity Machine, to help underprivileged young people develop curiosity, creativity and perseverance. The organization received the prestigious 2015 Excellence in Mentoring award, a US2020 White House Initiative.

About AAAS

AAAS is the world’s largest multidisciplinary scientific society and a leading publisher of cutting-edge research through its Science family of journals. AAAS has individual members in more than 91 countries around the globe. Membership is open to anyone who shares our goals and belief that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics can help solve many of the challenges the world faces today. You can lend your support to our efforts on behalf of scientists, engineers, educators, and students everywhere by becoming a member. Together we can make a difference: Join Us.

About Girls Inc.

Girls Inc. inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold, providing girls across the U.S. and Canada with life-changing experiences and solutions to the unique challenges they face. The Girls Inc. Experience consists of people, an environment, and programming that, together, empower girls to succeed. Trained staff and volunteers build lasting, mentoring relationships in girls-only spaces that are physically and emotionally safe and where girls find a sisterhood of support with shared drive, mutual respect, and high expectations. Hands-on, research-based programs provide girls with the skills and knowledge to set goals, overcome obstacles, and improve academic performance. Informed by girls and their families, Girls Inc. also works with policymakers to advocate for legislation and initiatives that increase opportunities for girls. At Girls Inc., girls grow up healthy, educated, and independent. Join us at girlsinc.org.

About Mouse

Mouse is a national youth development nonprofit that believes in technology as a force for good. Mouse empowers all youth to create with technology to solve real problems and make meaningful change in our world. We are committed to creating more diversity in STEM and opening opportunity for students from underserved communities across the country. Founded in 1997, Mouse programs have had a positive and lasting impact on nearly 40,000 students nationwide. Learn more at mouse.org.

View press release online

Contact:
Paul Schur VP, Communications
(240) 662-3348
Sydney Baldwin, Publicity Coordinator
(212) 548-5248