WASHINGTON, D.C. - Setting a new record for participation, 11,533 students representing all 50 states and four U.S. territories have registered for the U.S. Army's 2007-2008 eCYBERMISSION competition.

eCYBERMISSION, now in its sixth year, is a free web-based science, math and technology competition for students in grades six through nine.

The competition allows students to compete for regional and national awards by using the scientific method to propose solutions to their local community's challenges and concerns. This real-world application of science, math and technology encourages students to consider these areas for future study and careers.

Created by the U.S. Army in 2002 to emphasize the importance of science, math and technology to the nation's continued global competitiveness, eCYBERMISSION has awarded more than $4.6 million in U.S. EE Savings Bonds to regional and national winners. This year's student participation brings the total number of participants to more than 46,000 students, with participants drawn from all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and from Department of Defense Education Activity schools worldwide.

"As we look at the global economy in the 21st century, we need a national workforce skilled in the use of science, math and technology," said Dr. Michael Doyle, U.S. Army eCYBERMISSION program manager. "We want to get students excited about these subjects early in their education as a way of encouraging them to explore careers in math, science, engineering and technology."

The eCYBERMISSION competition replicates today's modern workplace with students preparing and submitting their projects on-line. This year's submissions are due February 19. From this year's submissions, 96 teams will be selected as regional winners with the 16 regional first place teams invited to participate in the annual eCYBERMISSION National Judging and Educational Event in Washington, D.C. in June 2008.

For more details visit www.ecybermission.com or call 1-866-GO-CYBER (462-9237).
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