Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions has reached out to the organizers of the White Plains Invitational, a competition for science research students, to offer its Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) preparation classes and other college prep courses as prizes. (We originally wrote about the invitational, which will take place at White Plains High School this Saturday, here.)

The company will give five students — all of whom are sophomores and will likely be taking the SAT next school year — free placement in one of its college and test prep classes. The classes are normally about $1,100 per student, said Robin Kaufman, Kaplan’s college prep programs manager for Westchester.

“Science and math are important parts of education pursuits,” Kaufman said. “We want students to do well.”

UPDATE: Kaufman provided The Hall Monitor with more information about the prizes and an updated total for the value of the company’s contribution. The headline and post have been updated accordingly.

Science research courses allow students to research subjects that interest them for three or more years. The invitational is held for first-year science research students who will make presentations on their intended areas of study to panels of judges. Of the 200 students from 11 Westchester districts who will participate, winners will be chosen based on their presentation skills, the originality of their work and the accuracy of their research.

The three top point getters in the competition will each get a coupon for the prep courses, said Tim Selg, director of science research at White Plains High and founder of the invitational. The fourth slot will be given to the student judged as making the best presentation, while the final slot will go to the students whose project has the greatest potential to benefit society, Selg said.