By Godson Umejiego, Correspondent USA
Samsung announced the launch of its 12th annual US$2 million Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest, which challenges US students in grades 6–12 to use STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) to tackle local issues of national importance in a sustainable way. Now through November 8, 2021, public school teachers across the US can apply for this year’s programme and submit their activity plans that enable students to inspire real-world change to address critical issues in their communities using problem-based learning.
Samsung is furthering its commitment to sustainability through several company initiatives this year, and the Solve for Tomorrow Contest is no different. This year’s applicants are encouraged to use responsibly sourced materials in their prototypes and align their project ideas with the United Nation’s sustainable development goals (SDGs). The judging rubric for this year’s contest will also include a component that will evaluate factors such as the sustainability of the project idea over time.
“The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow contest was founded more than a decade ago as an environmental program. While it has since evolved to make room for the other issues that the next generation is most passionate about such as mental health and student safety, we want to keep the environment in mind through this contest that aims to promote meaningful change,” said Senior Director of Corporate Citizenship at Samsung Electronics America, Ann Woo. “We have seen the incredible projects that have emerged from the minds of students through this contest, and we cannot wait to see the ideas that come to life this year that will undoubtedly ignite lasting impact on communities while reducing our collective impact on the planet.”
