COLLEGE STATION, Texas, Dec. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH), a leading provider of information technology, consulting, and business process services, today announced a three year, $150,000 commitment to support university-sponsored science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education programs at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.

Announced today at an event in College Station, Cognizant's financial commitment is part of the company's goal to further STEM education across the U.S. as part of its Making the Future initiative. Cognizant selected Texas A&M University because of its long history of excellence in STEM education.

"We are proud to partner with Texas A&M University to inspire the next generation of technology leaders through robust STEM education programs," said Gordon Coburn, President, Cognizant. "At Cognizant, we understand the critical role STEM education plays in preparing students to emerge as leaders in America's innovation economy, and we are committed to supporting STEM education to help the U.S. remain competitive in an increasingly global economy."

The university plans to use the funding to support its BioFORCE program, which is an experiential STEM outreach program of the National Center for Therapeutics Manufacturing (NCTM) at Texas A&M that provides developmental activities to high school students to prepare them to become part of the biotechnology and biomanufacturing workforces of the state.

"Cognizant's support will strengthen our STEM education initiatives," said John Sharp, Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. "Texas A&M has a long and proud history of educating students in the STEM fields and this funding helps us drive our student's passion for technical learning."

In addition to its commitment to Texas A&M University, Cognizant currently provides support to child-serving non-profit organizations to help spark interest in the STEM disciplines. In 2011, Cognizant launched Making the Future, an education initiative focused on inspiring in children—particularly girls and underrepresented minorities—a passion for STEM by providing fun, hands-on learning opportunities. Making the Future includes financial, in-kind, and volunteer support to education-oriented non-profits and a college scholarship program for students pursuing the STEM fields.

About Cognizant
Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) is a leading provider of information technology, consulting, and business process outsourcing services, dedicated to helping the world's leading companies build stronger businesses. Headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey (U.S.), Cognizant combines a passion for client satisfaction, technology innovation, deep industry and business process expertise, and a global, collaborative workforce that embodies the future of work. With over 50 delivery centers worldwide and approximately 166,400 employees as of September 30, 2013, Cognizant is a member of the NASDAQ-100, the S&P 500, the Forbes Global 2000, and the Fortune 500 and is ranked among the top performing and fastest growing companies in the world. Visit us online at www.cognizant.com or follow us on Twitter: Cognizant.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes statements which may constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the accuracy of which are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied include general economic conditions and the factors discussed in our most recent Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Cognizant undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

SOURCE Cognizant