Axcelis Expands Teaching Collaboration With Beverly High School; Axcelis Mentors Support Additional Semester of Popular Hands-On Math/Science Course.

Business Editors/High-Tech & Education Writers

BEVERLY, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 16, 2002

In an effort to expand a unique education opportunity for local high school students, Axcelis Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACLS), and Beverly High School will make their collaborative physics-statistics class available to students for an additional semester this academic year. Axcelis has partnered with Beverly High School for the past six years, helping junior- and senior-year students see how math, science and teamwork are applied in the business world.

By adding a second session of the class, Axcelis and Beverly High School are making this learning opportunity available in both the fall and spring semesters, allowing twice as many students to participate. The class, which was taught for a single semester last year, pairs Axcelis employees and Beverly High School students in a mentoring relationship. As part of the program, the mentors and students meet every other week at Axcelis' headquarters in Cherry Hill Office Park, or at the high school, to provide guidance on student projects.

"Of all the partnerships Axcelis has entered, this collaboration is especially gratifying. Axcelis employees are inspiring these students, showing them how the skills they're learning now are used every day in business," said Mary Puma, President and Chief Executive Officer of Axcelis Technologies. "Through mentoring, these students are discovering a love for math and science, and learning that true success is earned through teamwork. Our aspiration is that these students will build on this experience as they look to the future."

More than 50 Axcelis employees have mentored Beverly High School students since the program began in 1997. This year, 11 mentors will work with two classes of 28 students. Over 80 students applied for the course, which integrates physics and statistics in a series of hands-on projects.

"By opening its doors to local students, Axcelis is offering BHS a unique education opportunity, allowing us to give students an experience they simply won't get inside the classroom alone," said William Foye, Beverly High School principal. "We're thrilled that Axcelis has agreed to expand our partnership to another semester. When a company makes a long-term commitment of time and effort, the entire community benefits. Our students -- many of whom will return to Beverly after their education is complete -- will never forget these lessons."

About Axcelis Technologies, Inc.

Axcelis Technologies, Inc., headquartered in Beverly, Massachusetts, provides innovative, high-productivity solutions for the semiconductor industry. Axcelis is dedicated to developing enabling process applications through the design, manufacture and complete life cycle support of ion implantation, rapid thermal processing, and cleaning and curing systems. Axcelis Technologies has key technology centers in Beverly, Massachusetts, and Rockville, Maryland as well as in Toyo, Japan through its joint venture, SEN. The company's Internet address is: www.axcelis.com.