In Helping Students, Intel Is Good Neighbor in Costa Rica

Washington -- Intel Corporation, with headquarters in California, has a large presence in Costa Rica, where it strives to prepare local students for the high-tech job market.

The company, which makes integrated circuits for computing and communications industries worldwide, is the largest company in Costa Rica. It thus has a stake in seeing the country's students educated to take leadership roles in the computer field. Through its support of an after-school computer club program, Intel helps youth in underserved areas access technology and become confident, motivated learners.

To help students with an aptitude for science and technology, Intel has worked with the ministries of education and science and the University of Costa Rica to create a national program of science fairs for elementary and secondary students. About 60 percent of the student population now participates in such fairs. Winners of the country's national science fair can receive company support to go on to Intel's International Science and Engineering Fair, the world's largest pre-college science competition, to share ideas and compete for scholarships.

Intel trains teachers to integrate technology into their daily lessons. And an Intel higher education program is bringing technology expertise to universities and encouraging students to pursue technical degrees.

Intel's work to help students is one of the reasons it has earned a place among finalists for the U.S. secretary of state's Award for Corporate Excellence. The company also has been lauded by the State Department for its encouragement of volunteer service by employees and for its environmental stewardship.

About 75 percent of Intel's approximately 3,000 employees in Costa Rica volunteer. In 2008, they contributed 32,000 volunteer hours to their communities. For every hour an Intel employee volunteers to help an organization, the company donates $4 to that organization.

Intel Costa Rica implements an international environmental management standard and has been recognized locally for its health, safety and environmental practices, such as cleaning its waste water. The company also works with Costa Rica's National University to analyze the groundwater around its facilities to ensure that it is not contaminating the area. Intel recycles organic waste from its cafeterias, donating it to the Central American Institute for Livestock for fertilizer production.

Intel's success in Costa Rica and its good relations with local communities have made it a magnet in attracting other large companies, helping the Costa Rican economy by employing Costa Ricans and by purchasing as many inputs as possible from local suppliers. In 2008, Intel bought products from 300 local vendors. The company also works with suppliers to help them understand the expectations of a global company in doing business.

For more information about Intel Costa Rica, see the Intel Web site.

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