SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Sept. 8, 2008 - The Conrad Foundation announces the launch of their 2008 Pete Conrad Spirit of Innovation Awards. Teams of high school students across the nation are invited to compete in this innovative program. The competition engages high school students in creating commercial products using science and technology.

Students design products in personal space flight, lunar exploration and renewable energy. NASA's call for a human return to the moon and the increased interest in space transportation are the foundation of this year's Conrad Award aerospace challenges. In addition, students will answer Al Gore's energy challenge to America, by using renewable energy to change everyday life.

"This generation like every other generation, has the ability to design its future. Our award provides the resources for them to do so," said Nancy Conrad, wife of the late Pete Conrad and founder of the Conrad Foundation.

Students create unique products, produce viable business plans, and are given opportunities to bring their ideas to market. This competition provides students with the ability to network with scientists, university professors, world business leaders, venture capitalists and entrepreneurs. "Winning is just the beginning," said Nancy Conrad. "This competition is the pipeline from education to industry. We have not only created a program, we're driving a movement."

For information: www.conradaward.org.

Contact:

Joshua Neubert
Executive Director, Conrad Foundation
www.conradfoundation.org
617-970-6650

About Charles "Pete" Conrad

Pete Conrad's accomplishments span the entire history of manned space flight. Conrad flew Gemini V and Gemini XI and became the third man to walk on the Moon in Apollo XII. He also flew the Skylab II mission in which his emergency spacewalk saved the entire station and earned him a Congressional Space Medal of Honor. After retiring from NASA, Conrad returned to space, no longer as an explorer, but as an entrepreneur. He was a key participant in the ventures that created the beginning of the commercial space industry. In 1999, Conrad tragically passed away.

About The Conrad Foundation

The Conrad Foundation is a not-for-profit foundation designed to energize and engage students in science and technology through unique entrepreneurial opportunities. The Foundation builds upon the legacy of heroes in our past to nurture the heroes of our future. By enabling young minds to connect education, innovation and entrepreneurship, the Conrad Foundation provides a bold platform for enriching human capital.