The Technology Association of Georgia, the state's leading association dedicated to the promotion and economic advancement of Georgia's technology industry, announced Wednesday that the Georgia Southern University Molecular Biology Initiative has been named a finalist in the Post-Secondary Outreach category for the 2014 STEM Education Awards.

The association's Third Annual STEM Education Awards recognizes schools, programs and companies for outstanding efforts and achievements in supporting and promoting science, technology, engineering and math — hence the acronym STEM — education in Georgia.

The Molecular Biology Initiative partners with regional teachers to bring "hands-on, relevant science" to students in biotechnology, chemistry, physics, biology and forensics. Such hands-on skills including applicable technology and math.

"This program represents a true partnership between university and school expertise, resulting in high-impact, sustainable outcomes for STEM education and student learning," said Dr. Laura Regassa, the initiative's director.

Michael Robertson, the executive director of the Technology Association of Georgia's Education Collaborative, added: "It is exciting to see the progress we are making with STEM education in Georgia. The increase in nominations each year and the quality of the nominations made it difficult for our judges. Congratulations to the finalists! Your work engaging these students in STEM will benefit the students you touch for years to come with challenging and exciting careers."

This year's finalists were chosen in eight categories: Elementary School, Middle Schoo, High School, Post-Secondary Outreach, Extracurricular Program, STEM Certified School Outreach, Corporate Outreach and Best STEM Day Activity.

Winners in each category will be officially honored at the Third Annual STEM Education Awards event held on Sept. 26 at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center. The event is presented by the Technology Association of Georgia; the association's Education Collaborative, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) dedicated to advancing STEM education in Georgia, and TAG Savannah.

"STEM occupations will increase in Georgia by more than 22,000 during the current decade," said Tino Mantella, the president and CEO of the association. "The finalists of this year's STEM Education Awards are helping to prepare the tech-ready workforce needed to fill these jobs, and we applaud them for standing out as leaders in Georgia's educational community."

For more information about the association and the Third Annual STEM Education Awards, or to attend the event, visit http://bit.ly/STEMinfo2014.