USA Launches BURN NOTICE Science Challenge

USA Network launches the BURN NOTICE Science Challenge, a national competition - inspired by the hit series - to encourage learning in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) among America's high school students. The challenge was developed in consultation with a prestigious panel of science teachers from across the country. A Public Service Announcement, featuring series star and fan favorite Bruce Campbell, kicks off the initiative in tonight's episode of BURN NOTICE.

"My interest in science and technology is a big part of the inspiration for BURN NOTICE - and the skills of all the characters started with that passion. We need to spread the word that STEM education isn't just important - it's cool, too. This is a great opportunity to do that." said Matt Nix, creator and executive producer of BURN NOTICE.

To enter the competition, individual high school students or teams of up to three, backed by an adult advisor, must solve a safe - yet compelling - challenge that the characters on BURN NOTICE might face, such as covertly communicating with other operatives, or surveilling enemy territory and gathering intelligence on adversaries. In the first round, which will run from November 15, 2012 to February 15, 2013, students will be asked to submit a 1500-word essay describing their invention and the scientific principles that would make it successful. Up to 25 finalists will be selected to go on to a second round during which they will create a video demonstrating how they use STEM knowledge and everyday materials to meet the challenge.

"Combining STEM education and the exciting hit show BURN NOTICE in this new competition is an excellent way to demonstrate to high school students that science can be fun, interesting and rewarding!" said Eric Crossley, Science Education Advisor.

Winners will be selected and notified by June 1, 2013. The grand prize includes a $10,000 scholarship to help the student(s) continue their STEM education, as well as on-air and online recognition and the opportunity to meet cast members and creators of BURN NOTICE. The second place winner will receive a $5,000 prize and three additional runners-up will get monetary scholarships. In addition, the advisors to the winning entries will receive grants to support their professional development.

The award-winning science educators who worked with USA Network and the producers of BURN NOTICE to develop the competition include: Jim Brown, Forest Park Elementary, Albany, NY; Janice Crowley, Wichita Collegiate School and Wichita State University, Wichita, KS; Bebi Davis, W.R. Farrington High School and Honolulu Community College, Honolulu, HI; Jan Elmore, Rains ISD, Emory, TX; Michael Lampert, West Salem High School, Salem, OR; and Ben Wentworth III, Retired, Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind, Colorado Springs, CO.

Complete rules, guidelines and details on how to enter are available at burnnotice.usanetwork.com.

Currently in its six season and recently renewed for a seventh, BURN NOTICE airs on Thursdays at 10/9c. The fast-paced spy thriller follows the formerly black-listed spy Michael Westen (Jeffrey Donovan), who is working under-the-radar with the CIA on special projects. Michael's eclectic team includes ex-IRA operative and girlfriend Fiona (Gabrielle Anwar), washed up former Navy Seal Sam (Campbell), ex-counter-intelligence agent Jesse (Coby Bell), and Michael's mother - honorary member Madeline (Emmy(R) winner Sharon Gless).

BURN NOTICE was created, written and executive produced by Matt Nix. Mikkel Bondesen and Alfredo Barrios serve as executive producers. The series comes from Fox Television Studios and Fuse Entertainment.

The #1 network in all of basic cable for six consecutive years and an unprecedented seven straight summers, USA Network is seen in over 102 million U.S. homes. USA is a leader in scripted programming with a powerful stable of originals, spectacular live television and is home to the best in blockbuster theatrical films, a broad portfolio of acquired series and entertainment events. A trailblazer in digital innovation and storytelling, USA is defining, driving and setting the industry standard for Social TV. USA is a program service of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal. The award-winning website is located at http://www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.