Hope for a Brighter Future
Samsung’s annual “Solve for Tomorrow” competition empowers students to innovate solutions for pressing societal challenges.
Today’s youth are confronted with a slew of daunting issues, including health inequalities, gun violence, and the ever-present threat of climate change. As a parent, contemplating the world we leave behind can easily lead to feelings of despair. Thankfully, many young individuals channel their concerns into action rather than succumbing to fear or cynicism. To foster such ingenuity and promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, Samsung organizes the “Solve for Tomorrow” competition for public school students in grades 6-12. Participants are tasked with creating solutions to local problems. Out of numerous entries nationwide, ten teams are selected as finalists to showcase their projects in a pitch event in New York City. This year, three winning teams received $100,000 in Samsung technology for their schools. Additionally, the ten national finalists were awarded technology valued at $50,000 each, while a hundred state-level finalists received a prize package worth $6,500 and the chance to collaborate with a Samsung employee mentor.
The finalists represented diverse regions and addressed issues ranging from distracted driving to enabling children with limb loss to safely ride bicycles. Students dedicated months of effort to their projects, and the finalist teams, along with their teachers, arrived in New York ready to present their ideas to a panel of judges, which included scientists, entrepreneurs, and corporate leaders. One student, Maya Johnson from Springfield, Illinois, pitched her team’s invention, the Aqua Shield—an expandable barrier designed to protect homes from flooding. “After witnessing the devastating flood in our area, we wanted to create something impactful,” Johnson shared. “It was a wake-up call for us.” Through extensive testing and numerous ideas, they ultimately settled on their curtain design.
“I never imagined we’d make it this far,” Johnson reflected. “Collaborating with others has given me the confidence to drive change.” Their STEM teacher, Alex Thompson, remarked, “These students are incredibly bold. They tackle problems head-on and have a great time while doing it.” This innovative, hands-on approach to learning can significantly transform the dynamics of STEM education.
During the pitch event, the finalists impressed the judges with their professionalism, insight, and dedication. This year’s top three projects included: a team from Crescent High School in Crescent City, California, who developed “Guardian,” a gun detection system that utilizes light and sound sensors to guide students to safety during emergencies; a group from River Valley High School in Fisherville, Kentucky, who created a tool to optimize school bus routes and address driver shortages; and a team from Maplewood High School in Maplewood, New Jersey, who invented the Eco-Converter, a device that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by processing food waste into feed for black soldier flies, which can then generate oil as a sustainable alternative to harmful palm oil.
While it would be ideal for children to envision a future free from our current challenges, the creativity and determination displayed by these students indicate that tomorrow’s leaders will be well-equipped to handle these issues.
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Summary: Samsung’s “Solve for Tomorrow” competition showcases the innovative potential of young students as they tackle significant societal issues through STEM projects, with finalists presenting impactful solutions ranging from flood protection to gun detection systems.
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