Each year Samsung Electronics America, Inc. presents its “Samsung Solve for Tomorrow” competition for schools across the country to take part in, and with another school year is underway they are taking applications for the 2023-2024 program.
It is the 14th year of the nationwide competition, which is designed with the goal of empowering students to think creatively in the fields of STEM, which includes science, technology, engineering and math.
The competition is open to public school students from sixth grade to seniors in high school.
The electronics company invites teachers to submit an application and pose the question to their students of how they would address some of society’s most prevalent challenges by applying the principles of problem-based learning techniques.
Not only is the initiative a great way to create hands-on implementation and create classroom discussion surrounding real world problem thinking, but it also allows the students to feel like they are making a difference in the world, where they may not otherwise experience being so young.
However, Samsung realizes the importance of capturing creativity and getting it in the minds of the next generation early on because they will one day be the ones who will be tasked with solving the problems they face.
Locally, Nease High has had a group of students take part in coming up with and creating ideas as part of the competition over the past couple of years, as part of a group taught by Kevin Lay.
A couple of awards will be up for grabs for students participating to win, which include the “Rising Entrepreneurship Award,” and the “Sustainability Innovation Award,” which will both help earn additional resources and funding for their respective schools.
“We’re excited to witness the energy and creativity of our young participants, who represent the future,” said Ann Woo, head of corporate citizenship at Samsung Electronics America. “With a prize pool of $2 million, we’re truly investing in the potential of Gen Z to shape the world with their visionary ideas and make a positive impact.
The application period began Aug. 29 and will remain open until Oct. 27 for any schools or students that have an idea and wish to take part.
