Today’s youth grapple with a daunting array of challenges: health inequities, gun violence, and the persistent threat of climate change. For parents, contemplating the future world they are handing down can quickly lead to feelings of despair. Fortunately, many young individuals are not paralyzed by fear or negativity; instead, they are motivated to create change. To encourage this innovative spirit and promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, Samsung organizes its annual Solve for Tomorrow competition for public school students in grades 6-12. Participants are tasked with developing solutions for problems impacting their communities. From a multitude of entries nationwide, ten teams are selected as finalists to present their ideas in a pitch event held in New York City. This year, three winning teams were awarded $100,000 in Samsung technology for their schools, while each of the ten finalists received tech valued at $50,000. Additionally, a hundred state-level finalists received prize packages worth $6,500, along with mentorship from Samsung employees.
The finalists this year represented diverse regions, with their projects addressing issues such as distracted driving and assisting children with limb loss in safely riding bikes. Over several months, students dedicated time to their projects, arriving in New York prepared to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges that included scientists, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. Mia Thompson, a student from Nashville, Tennessee, presented her team’s Aqua Shield, an extendable barrier designed to protect homes from flooding. “We wanted to create something that would have a life-changing impact,” Thompson explained. “After a devastating flood in our area, which claimed many lives, we realized that could have easily been us.” Her team spent countless hours refining their concept, ultimately choosing a curtain design for the shield.
“I never thought we would make it this far,” said Thompson. “Working with others has truly boosted my confidence to effect change.” Their STEM instructor, Jake Larson, noted, “These kids are fearless. They approach problems head-on and enjoy the process.” He believes that innovative project-based learning can transform the dynamics of STEM education.
The finalists showcased their presentations before the judges, impressing the audience with their insights and professionalism. This year’s top three teams included: a group from Ridgeview High School in Texas, who developed ‘Guardian’, an innovative gun detection system using audio and light sensors to guide students to safety during emergencies; a team from Riverbank High School in California, who created an efficient school bus routing system to address driver shortages; and a group from Maplewood High School in New Jersey, whose ‘Eco-Feed Reactor’ reduces greenhouse gas emissions by converting food waste into feed for black soldier flies, which produce oil as a sustainable palm oil alternative.
While it would be preferable for children to envision a future without tackling so many pressing issues, if these students are tomorrow’s leaders, the world will undoubtedly be in good hands.
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In summary, Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow competition empowers students to confront real-world problems with innovative solutions. As these young minds tackle pressing issues, they inspire hope for a better future.