FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – The Museum of Discovery and Science and United Way of Broward County are launching APP-titude, a new two-year internship starting this fall for high school juniors. The program will expose students to careers in engineering and computer science while being introduced to coding and APP development.

Broward County students entering their junior year in 2014 are invited to apply for a two-year internship that will provide an opportunity to earn volunteer service hours, college credit, and a stipend while advancing their knowledge in STEM education. The program begins in October 2014 and runs through May 2016 at the Museum of Discovery and Science. Students will learn through an immersion experience at the Museum and participate in Florida Atlantic University College of Engineering and Computer Science's three-week, dual-enrollment course in July 2015. Upon successful completion of FAU's college level course, students will receive three semester hours of college credit. During the second year, interns will mentor the incoming students and continue working on APP development.

Kathleen Cannon, President and CEO of United Way of Broward County said, "United Way of Broward County is proud to partner with the Museum of Discovery and Science on this innovative internship program. APP-titude will provide a life-changing educational and motivational experience for these amazing students. Everyone involved will benefit from this program – the interns will acquire invaluable experience, and museum visitors will be able to utilize the new technology that has been created,

A student/parent orientation is scheduled for Saturday, September 6, 2014 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Museum of Discovery and Science. To register for the information session students should email their contact information to STEM@mods.net. Eligibility requirements include recommendation by a science teacher and the school guidance counselor, a PSAT combined score of 88 in reading and math, a 3.0 unweighted cumulative GPA, and before March 1, 2015, take the ACT, SAT, Accuplacer or P.E.R.T., achieving certain minimum scores.

Museum President and CEO, Kim Cavendish said, "We are grateful to have United Way's partnership that allows us to create and implement STEM education programs that help students explore coding and advance their interest in science. This is an anchor program for our STEM Center for Education and Career Development that allows us to advance knowledge of and engagement in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math."

The Museum's STEM Center for Education and Career Development is a Museum initiative that seeks to prepare students for success by raising the level of STEM education, instruction and career interest and to create a science literate community by increasing awareness of and engagement in STEM.

ABOUT UNITED WAY OF BROWARD COUNTY
United Way of Broward County is a volunteer driven, community-based, non-profit organization servicing Broward County for more than 75 years. United Way of Broward County mission is to focus and unite the entire community to create significant lasting change in the impact areas of Education, Income and Health, the building blocks for a better life, which positively impacts people's lives. United Way of Broward County is the catalyst for change and convener of partnerships that unite the hearts, minds, and resources within the Broward community. For more information, visit www.UnitedWayBroward.org.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY AND SCIENCE
The mission of the Museum of Discovery and Science is to provide experiential pathways to lifelong learning in science for children and adults through exhibits, programs and films. Founded in 1976 as The Discovery Center, the nonprofit facility serves approximately 400,000 visitors annually. Major operational support for the Museum is provided through generous support by Leadership Guild members including: Broward Health, JM Family Enterprises, Inc., Sun Sentinel, and Wells Fargo.

The Museum is open seven days a week, 365 days a year; Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. with extended IMAX® hours on most evenings. The Museum of Discovery and Science is located downtown at 401 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information about the Museum, visitors should call 954.467.MODS (6637) or visit our web site at www.mods.org