During today’s White House Science Fair, President Obama recognized the work of NFTE and of Hayley Hoverter, winner of the 2011 National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge [1], presented by MasterCard Worldwide.
Hayley met with President Obama and showcased her product, Sweet (dis)SOLVE, for him. He then singled-out Hayley during a speech [2] about the importance of science, technology, engineering, and math education.
“Some of you, that means developing new products that will change the way we live. So Hayley Hoverter -- where’s Hayley? There she is, right over here -- invented a new type of sugar packet that dissolves in hot water. It’s flavorless, it’s colorless, and potentially could save up to 2 million pounds of trash each year -- and that’s just at Starbucks. So MasterCard has already awarded her $10,000 to help turn her idea into a business.” (begins at 4:15)
Rick Cruz, NFTE Chief of Field Operations, also attended the event and said Sweet (dis)SOLVE “clearly stood out as a ‘product’ and a business. Several people in the crowd noted how great her exhibit was.” In addition, Hayley had an opportunity to talk speak with “Bill Nye the Science Guy [3]” while awaiting the President’s speech.
