OREANDA-NEWS. The contest is held since 2006 with support of the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation 

The Russian Telecom Equipment Company has obtained a status of the official sponsor of the schoolchildren Olympiad named “Energy hope”.  The main organizer of the contest held since 2006 with support of the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation is the National Research University “MEI” (Moscow Energy Institute). Among the constant sponsors of the Olympiad – Federal Grid Company, RusHydro, Moscow's department of education, education departments of the Smolensk, Volgograd and Ivanovo Regions, ministry of education of the Moscow Region, ministry of education of Tatarstan Republic.

The main goals of the Olympiad are to find and develop creative talents, raise interest in scientific research, support gifted schoolchildren in the area of physics, mathematics and informatics, helping them to choose future careers and education institutions, providing incentives for their further intellectual development.  “Energy Hope” is open for schoolchildren from the 7th to the 11th years of education.  Most of the contesters are schoolchildren hoping to get university education in the energy industry.

"Lack of skilled professionals in Russian IT and energy industries is quite acute," said Andrei Badalov, general constructor, first deputy director general of RTEC.  "Despite that, our country has an immense scientific and technological potential.  Therefore, we believe it is necessary and important to support education programs focused on finding talented children.  The Olympiad has exactly that focus.  It gives schoolchildren from remotest areas of the country the chance to demonstrate their talents. Champions and prize winners of “Energy Hope” get advantages to study in the Moscow Energy Institute and other leading Russian universities. We thank MEI for the opportunity to support the Olympiad and to make our contribution to the development of education in Russia."

"It is very important for the university that organizes such a contest to cooperate with the companies like RTEC that operate in real sectors of economy.  Such cooperation makes the Olympiad more practical and helps the participants to choose their future professions," said Vyacheslav Grechikhin, deputy chairman of the organizing committee and deputy rector of MEI. "Besides, financial support from business helps us to expand the Olympiad geographically and to launch external events which are especially important for children residing in remote areas and having limited financial capabilities."