Samsung Solve For Tomorrow Names Schools From Delaware, Florida, And Texas National Winners In 13th Annual STEM Competition
By Godson Umejiego, Bureau Chief, The Americas
Samsung Electronics America, Inc., has named the three National Winners of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, the nationwide competition for public middle and high school students that awards US$2 million annually in prizes to teams demonstrating how they use STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills to create positive change and address pressing issues in their local communities. The winning schools from Delaware, Florida, and Texas – selected from 10 National Finalists – each receive US$100,000 in Samsung technology and school supplies, while the remaining seven Finalists receive US$50,000 per school.
The three National Winners – Brandywine High School (Wilmington, DE); Strawberry Crest High School (Dover, FL); and Porter High School (Porter, TX) – were announced by Samsung Electronics America President and CEO KS Choi at the celebration in Washington D.C. US. Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia and US Senator Todd Young of Indiana also attended the event as they were honored with STEM Champion Awards from Samsung in recognition of their efforts to advance STEM pursuits in their states.
Joining Choi and the Senators to honour the winners and all competitors were speakers including Samsung Electronics North America Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, Mark Lippert and, past Solve for Tomorrow winners, Paula Labbe, Robotics Teacher at Great Bridge High School, Virginia, and Daniella Gonzales, student at Princeton High School, New Jersey.
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“Samsung Solve for Tomorrow gives us a front-row view of the tremendous potential of this upcoming generation of STEM thinkers and do-ers,” said Senior Director, Corporate Citizenship, Samsung Electronics America, Ann Woo. “Their ingenuity in developing creative solutions to community problems and their commitment in bringing projects from idea to reality are truly inspiring. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating these young STEM champions, and all the teams that have participated in Solve for Tomorrow. They represent the vibrant future of the STEM community that is so vital to tech companies like ours.”
All 10 Finalists had pitched their STEM solutions recently at the Samsung Solutions Center in Washington to a panel of judges that included another Solve for Tomorrow alumni teacher, Harry Preston of Baltimore’s Green Street Academy. The Finalists and guests were welcomed by speakers including Alix Guerrier, CEO of DonorsChoose, nonprofit crowdfunding platform for educators and a Solve for Tomorrow partner. Video of the students’ presentations can be viewed here.
The three grand prize-winning STEM solutions are:
SCHOOL CITY/STATE COMMUNITY ISSUE & STEM SOLUTION
Brandywine High School Wilmington, DE Eliminated cost barriers by creating an affordable alternative to assistive tech devices – AACU Switch – for people with independent living disabilities
Strawberry Crest High School Dover, FL Created a wearable sensor and corresponding app – Human Health Band – that allows coaches to monitor athlete’s body temperatures to prevent heat-related deaths in sports
Porter High School Porter, TX Designed a state-of-the-art, app-based beehive monitoring system – HiveHub – capable of recording the hive traffic, climate, and activity to thwart the pollinator collapse
