The Siemens Foundation, which for over fifteen years had awarded scholarships to students taking many Advanced Placement exams in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), decided to discontinue the award. The scholarship went to the male and female students with the most number of fives on AP exams within each state.

Is this going to stop students from taking AP classes? Will students rethink the value of AP classes?

Junior Kelsey Pierce said, “Well, you can get college credit. You can learn the same as in a regular class. I like American history.”

The Siemens Foundation made a statement about their discontinuation of the Siemens Award:

“Over those 15 years, the Siemens Foundation has invested $2.8 million and recognized nearly 1000 students, 380 teachers and 270 high schools with scholarships and grants. This has been an extremely successful partnership, but as the SIEMENS Foundation evolves to tackle new challenges in the field of STEM education effective July 2013, the Siemens Awards for Advanced Placement will be discontinued. Congratulations to all past awardees, your excellence in STEM will continue to shape the future of our global society.”

While the students taking the AP classes have lost their opportunity for an award, senior Calvin Garcia thinks that AP classes will still be a popular choice for students. “The AP classes boost your GPA a lot. The AP courses are rigorous.”

Students who received the most fives on AP exams for science and mathematics courses in their state received $1000. The top students in the nation received $5000. Only one male and one female student will qualify for each state, and only one male and one female student for the national award.

Taking AP classes has more benefits than only the Siemens Award. Students who take AP classes are not only prepared for college-level courses, but also able to get college credit.

Sophomore David McBroom said, “[AP classes] are good.” He thought it unlikely that many students would get the award, anyway.

However, the Siemens Foundation is offering other scholarships, such as the Merit Scholarship for juniors. Check out the Siemens Foundation page to see the details of what Siemens offers.