Last week, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow (SFT) hosted its fourth annual Teacher Academy. The week long program is designed to empower educators to inspire their students and tackle real world problems, while exploring new ways of using science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and problem-based learning. For the first time since the Academy’s launch in 2019, 35 teachers from across the country gathered together in-person for an immersive professional development experience building on Solve for Tomorrow’s focus on STEM, problem-based learning and various environmental issues.

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is an annual national competition for public schools grades 6-12 that challenges students to work together to create positive change in their communities using STEM. From start to finish, these brilliant young minds are empowered and supported by teachers as they take the lead to push the boundaries of innovation.

Olivia Rowland, Math Teacher at Republic Middle School in Missouri and SFT State Winner, explained the impact that Solve for Tomorrow had on her students, “I teach in a rural school, so my students did not see how they could influence the rest of the world. They really poured themselves into this project, staying after school, coming in early and working during the day to finish it. To see that I cared about their ideas and that other people really cared about their ideas made it clear that they could make those differences and that they were really capable of it.”

Each Academy teacher involved in the program is an SFT winning alumni and has won their share of over $2 million in technology and classroom materials for their respective schools, in addition to gaining hands-on experience with problem based learning and mindSpark Learning professional development tools. Participants in the program were also awarded continuing education credits (CECs), a measure used to maintain up-to-date license and certifications in the field.

“It’s always such an incredible experience to see how these teachers are inspiring the next generation of change makers,” said Michele Mosa, Director of Corporate Citizenship at Samsung Electronics America. “The Teacher Academy is designed to provide its participants with an opportunity to recharge, while building critical skills and learning how to better empathize with their students. With 35 teachers taking part in this year’s program, the Academy creates a strong support system of likeminded individuals with unique experiences that will carry forward for years to come.”

The week kicked off on Monday morning with a trip to Project Farmhouse, the state-of-the-art sustainability center and event space in New York City. Here, the teachers packed seeds for urban and school gardens, while learning about GrowNYC’s mission to be a sustainable resource for New Yorkers and improve their community. With this year’s focus on improving food access and security, teachers were given the task of working in small groups to create a STEM-based, sustainable solution to be presented to a panel of Samsung employees and Academy teacher graduates the following day.

“Being empowered by a corporate company, such as Samsung, that is using their resources to make our lives better has just been great,” explained Jessica Abrams, STEM Teacher at Liberty Avenue Middle School in New York and SFT National Finalist. “We came here, we were welcomed, appreciated and actually put in a task that mimics what the students do at school. It gave us a first-hand experience of the entire project so that we could be better open facilitators when we get back to our respective schools.”

“I really liked being able to do the project, but I especially liked being able to do it with other teachers who are likeminded and want to be creative,” added Allie Langwald, Physical Education (PE) and Health Teacher and Athletic Director at Hope of Detroit Academy Middle & High School and SFT National Winner. “People aren’t always as excited about STEM as you are, but here everyone is excited to be doing what we’re doing and to be here. It’s nice to be in a room with people that think like you, want to step outside the box with you and that are just excited about education.”

After the day of visiting outdoor farmer’s markets, learning about everyday sustainable actions and developing their innovative solutions to combat food insecurity, the teachers spent the following day at Samsung’s North American Headquarters in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey. The Academy teachers had a busy day filled with engaging discussions, panel presentations, a Samsung employee roundtable and even a tour of the company’s Executive Briefing Center filled with Samsung technology.

“As a female in technology myself, it’s actually a personal mission of mine to mentor female students entering STEM,” Davoudzadeh explained. “In the last 5 years, I’ve created clubs where I’m trying to inspire females. They see me as a teacher of a tech course and pushing out all of these innovative initiatives, and I’ve noticed that our female group grew about 10%. I have one student who I mentored and now she’s attending Stanford as a virtual reality developer. She is involved in so many different projects and doing amazing things. She told me that initially it was intimidating for her to go into computer science, but after being exposed to the different career possibilities, she started to see it as a career path for her, which I thought was really inspiring. I love doing that for young females.”

In addition to learning from peers, Samsung partnered with mindSpark Learning, a national nonprofit organization, to develop a curriculum that places inquiry-based problem solving at the forefront of learning, as well as enhance professional communication and leadership skills. mindSpark Learning seeks to empower educators through a cutting-edge, customized learning experience at three key pillars of community: education, industry and government. As part of the Teacher Academy curriculum, the teachers participated in a variety of mini sessions and activities centered around problem-based learning and sustainability education.

Harry Preston, science teacher at James McHenry Elementary/Middle School in Maryland and SFT National Winner, had a unique experience this year, having graduated from the Academy in 2021 and returning as a mentor this year.

“It’s always interesting to see the connection with other educators who have a similar belief and understanding that innovation education is viably important to students,” said Preston. “It’s difficult to sit in a standard class day-to-day and just be there. That hasn’t worked, it’s not going to work and I don’t know why we keep going back to it. We need to be looking at ways to give kids the opportunity to tackle problems and apply the knowledge, so they can retain it better. Until it becomes relevant, it’s always going to be one day instead of today. By doing things, they realize that today is the day.”

With this year’s Teacher Academy in the books, some of the participants shared advice for other teachers looking to get involved with Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow and Teacher Academy.

“I had a very different experience because I was a PE teacher that applied. I didn’t even know if I was allowed to apply, I even double checked,” said Langwald. “My advice is for any teacher; art teacher, band teacher, it doesn’t matter if you teach STEM. You can apply. You can do this, and you can win too. It’s an amazing opportunity and everyone should take advantage of it.”

Davoudzadeh explained the larger impact of the competition on students, “It makes learning more meaningful and more purposeful. It’s a personal connection, so yes, they build their community up, but they’re also developing critical thinking skills to solve problems. The more that they develop this skill, when they go out to start their real lives, they have more confidence to just accomplish anything they want.”

As September approaches right around the corner, Samsung is eager to continue supporting STEM education and the teachers who inspire the minds of young change makers across the country.

For more on how to get involved with Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, visit https://www.samsung.com/us/solvefortomorrow/.

The post Samsung Teacher Academy Explores New Era of Classroom Learning appeared first on Samsung US Newsroom.

With science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) at the heart of innovation, Samsung strives to empower the next generation of leaders to utilize these tools to drive positive change. Corporate citizenship programs such as Samsung Solve for Tomorrow (SFT) and the company’s summer internship opportunity help make this possible by providing the education and hands-on experience to foster creativity and further develop the necessary skills for success.

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is a national competition for public schools grades 6-12 in which students are tasked to create change in their communities using STEM. However, the learning can continue on when students graduate the program. As alumni, students have access to professional development workshops and a network of like-minded individuals to continue advancing in their journeys together. The company also hosts an annual summer internship program where students nationwide are able to experience life at Samsung and present their bold, new ideas to the company. Recently, we sat down with Athulya Nair, Corporate Citizenship Intern and Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Alumna, to hear about her experience from Solve for Tomorrow National Finalist to her internship with Samsung.

What first sparked your passion for STEM education?

“When I first started learning about engineering in high school, I didn’t really know what to expect from it. But as I went through college, I realized that it is something that really interests me, and I wanted to continue that passion. Without Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, I never would have known just how much I can impact the community through science, technology, engineering and math, and having that experience to be able to do something so great for not only my community, but my personal development is something that I’m very grateful to Samsung for. I want to be sure that in my future years I give back that passion and ambition to stay within the STEM field to other students.”

Why did you choose to participate in Solve for Tomorrow?

“My Solve for Tomorrow experience started my senior year of high school. The teacher of my Project Lead the Way Biomedical Science program received a notification about SFT, and seeing that it was such a renowned program that could benefit our community, two other classmates and I decided to give it a shot. I was involved in a lot of the science and math classes at my school, so having this program was a really convenient way for me to connect with my community and friends, while gaining experiences. So I joined to see what’s out there and build myself up, not only as a professional, but as a student and member of my community.”

How did SFT impact your professional development?

“I was really able to build up my communication skills through the presentations that we gave to the panelists of judges. In high school, I didn’t really have that much public speaking experience, so I was able to get those tips and tricks from the mentors that I had in the program and it really helped build my speaking and presentation skills. Within my team, I was able to help lead different parts of the project, so I grew as a leader too. The overall experience was great for building my confidence in myself and my abilities and showing me just how capable I was for the future. It made me excited to see how much I could accomplish.

Throughout my first and second years of college, I was able to participate in events specifically for Samsung SFT alumni. One that I distinctly remember is a resume review session. I sent in my resume and received so many great tips and tricks on how to not only improve my resume, but my professional development skills as a whole. There were others as well, but that was my favorite because it was so beneficial to hear this advice directly from a company. It gave me insight that my other advisors might not have been able to give me because the company knows exactly what they’re looking for.”

Why did you choose to pursue an internship at Samsung?

“Solve for Tomorrow definitely had a very big impact on my decision to apply to be an intern at Samsung because of the friendliness that Samsung had shown us when we were in the competition, and just seeing how kind and accommodating everyone was toward high school students in general. Their program was just really great in making sure that we were well attended to and if we ever had any questions we could easily ask our mentors. Our mentors were really great at helping us get through the process and everything like that. So just seeing the culture at Samsung was really what made me think about pursuing an internship here.”

What has been your favorite part of the internship?

“I could not be more grateful to work with such an amazing team. All of the members of my team were willing to answer any questions that I had and helped me through every single process imaginable.

My favorite part was knowing how much of an impact that my contributions can be for K-12 students and teachers alike. As an SFT alumna myself, and now being on the flip side as an intern, it is really cool to see all of the little things that take place to help such a big program come into play year after year. I was able to help with this year’s Teacher Academy and revamp for the 13^th year of Solve for Tomorrow, and see how both programs are constantly evolving and striving to be the best they can be for its students and teachers. I am really happy to be a part of that and contribute to making a positive impact for the younger generation by helping to build their passion for STEM.”

What advice would you give to other students thinking about applying for Samsung Solve for Tomorrow or Summer Internship Program?

“Apply no matter what! There is so much development that you can experience for yourself along the way. At the end of the day it could be something that you really enjoy and something could come out of it that you never expected to happen. I applied for the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow program with no expectations, and now I’m a Samsung intern. The experiences that you can achieve through what you apply yourself to is unmatched. Just make sure that you’re not limiting yourself to any opportunities that may arise.”

For more on Samsung’s corporate citizenship programs, visit Samsung.com.

The post The Journey from a Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Student to Summer Intern appeared first on Samsung US Newsroom.

Mark your calendars and join Samsung in connecting, creating and combatting climate change!

At Samsung, we are working together to make everyday changes that have a meaningful impact on the environment. On average, we collect and recycle 100 million pounds of e-waste per year in the U.S. alone – and that is only 10% of what we collect and recycle globally. That’s like recycling the weight of five Eiffel Towers.

We see you doing your part to reduce waste and build a greener future, from upcycling, to composting food scraps, to carrying around your reusable water bottle. Now it’s time to not only celebrate these actions, but continue to fuel the movement that you’ve created.

From September 19^th through September 25^th, Samsung is bringing people together for Climate Week at Samsung 837, our flagship location in New York City, in the metaverse at Samsung 837X, on the Samsung US Discord server and with the TikTok #RecycleUp movement.

Visitors can join in a variety of ways for a weeklong immersive experience that celebrates everyday changes that have a meaningful impact. Check out a sneak peek of the upcoming events below.

• Monday, 9/19: Take some time to smell the roses and spend your evening with Flower Bodega. Mix and mingle with others at the event before sitting down to hear from Molly Burke, Fleetwood Florals; Robert Luebcke, Van Vliet; LaParis Phillips, Brooklyn Blooms; Liza Lubell, Garbage Goddess; and, Flower Bodega’s Aurea Sanabria Moleai, as they chat about the behind-the-scenes process. Get inspired with a piece of the flower installation and explore how you can sustainably spruce up your home using nature’s décor.
• Tuesday, 9/20: Your favorite TikTok upcycle influencers take the stage during the Samsung #RecycleUp Fashion Show. Hear from designers, see upcycled designs on the runway and get involved by sharing how you upcycle for a chance to win prizes. It’s all inspired by Samsung’s commitment to sustainable materials, energy efficiency, responsible recycling and renewable energy. More information about a special Samsung 837X metaverse element coming soon!
• Wednesday, 9/21: Join NYC Fair Trade Coalition and Reclypt for an upcycled fashion forum and mixer. Watch as upcycle designers showcase their designs throughout the day, participate in a workshop, learn how to mend your own upcycled clothing and hear from a panel of upcycle thought leaders at Samsung 837. And keep an eye out for an exciting announcement regarding the 13^th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition, in which public school students develop innovative ideas to build a better future using STEM.

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• Thursday 9/22: Samsung will be participating in this year’s Fast Company Innovation Festival as the event returns to New York City. The Fast Track Session titled, “How to Practice Everyday Sustainability” will go behind the scenes at Samsung’s 837 experience store and offer conference attendees the chance to dive deeper into what sustainability means to Samsung with experts and live interactive installations. More information on conference registration can be found here.
• Friday 9/23: Samsung employees will be participating in the 12^th annual Samsung Gives Day of Service and spending the day making a difference in local communities nationwide. Stay tuned for more information about some of our event partners and find out how you can drive positive change in your community.
• Saturday 9/24: Kick off your weekend with a fun day for the whole family. Carrie Pennie is coming to Samsung 837 for a kid-friendly Upcycling Art Event. Let innovation flow as these young artists explore the endless possibilities using upcycled materials, before putting their masterpieces on display.

For those who can’t make it in-person, head over to Samsung 837X and the Samsung US server on Discord to participate in the fun. Stay tuned for exciting new ways to engage with us throughout the week.

Check back for more details about how to get involved. See you there!

*Galaxy S22 shown made with 20% recycled materials in certain parts.

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Teachers nationwide invited to submit ideas on how their students can better their communities using problem-based learning and win a share of $2 million in technology and supplies for their classrooms.

Samsung announced today the launch of its 13^th annual $2 million¹ Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest, which challenges U.S. students grades 6–12 to use STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) to create innovative, sustainable solutions that transform local communities. Now through November 2, 2022, public school teachers across the U.S. can apply for this year’s program² and submit an application that empowers students to inspire real-world change and address some of society’s most critical issues using problem-based learning.

Under the company’s mission ‘Together for Tomorrow! Enabling People,’ Samsung is committed to empowering the next generation to achieve their full potential and pioneer positive social change. To emphasize the commitment to sustainability, this year’s contest will evaluate projects based on short- and long-term environmental impact and will increase the value of its Sustainability Innovation Award to $50,000.

“The issues that students care about continue to evolve, and Samsung is committed to adapting to meet these changemakers where they are through the Solve for Tomorrow Contest,” said Michelle Crossan-Matos, SVP, Corporate Marketing, Citizenship & Communications Officer at Samsung Electronics America. “At Samsung, we are focused on the intersection of sustainability and innovation and know the power technology has in bringing meaningful impact on our world. We challenge this year’s applicants to find issues they’re passionate about and see firsthand the true impact STEM can have to better their community and the planet. We enjoy seeing the diverse projects that students conceptualize each year and are excited to see the innovations to come out of the 13^th annual competition.”

Solve for Tomorrow will award $2 million¹ in technology and supplies to classrooms in every state including Washington, D.C. as they advance throughout the phases of the contest, all redeemable through DonorsChoose.org. As part of the mission of sustainability, Samsung will encourage schools to select Samsung Energy Star products as part of their packages. Once lesson plans are submitted by the November deadline, schools will have the opportunity to move ahead to the following phases:

• 300 State Finalists from the pool of applicants will receive a $2,500 prize package
• 50 State Winners will receive a Samsung Video Kit to assist in video development, as well as $12,000 in Samsung technology and supplies for classroom use
  • One of the 50 State Winner schools will be chosen as the Sustainability Innovation Award Winner to win an additional $50,000 prize package of environmental classroom technology.
• From there, 10 National Finalist Schools will be selected to participate in the pitch event where they will present their project to a panel of judges. For achieving National Finalist status, seven of these schools will be awarded $50,000 in technology and supplies while the remaining three will be named National Grand Prize Winners.
• 3 National Grand Prize Winner schools will each receive $100,000 in classroom technology and supplies
• Of the top ten schools, 1 Community Choice Winner will also be determined through online public voting and will be eligible to win an additional $10,000 in Samsung technology, and 1 Employee Choice Winner will be selected by Samsung employees to also receive $10,000 of technology in addition to their national winnings

“The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest has not only taught my students valuable lessons in the classroom through hands-on learning, but has helped change the trajectory of their lives,” said Harry Preston, teacher at Green Street Academy and 2022 National Finalist. “This competition has inspired in them a sense of entrepreneurship as well as a desire to change what the STEM field looks like from a representation standpoint. It has been incredible to guide them through as they witness firsthand their power to make change in the world.”

Solve for Tomorrow launched in 2010 to encourage innovative thinking, creative problem-solving and teamwork to address the most pressing issues impacting society. Today, the competition fosters critical thinking and creative problem solving, anchored in problem-based learning. For the past decade, Samsung has awarded $20 million in technology and classroom materials to more than 3,500 public schools in the United States.

To enter the contest, and for official contest rules, please visit Samsung.com/solve. The deadline to submit is 11:59 p.m. ET on November 2, 2022.

At Samsung, we are working together to make everyday changes that have a meaningful impact on the environment. Now through September 25th, Samsung is bringing people together for Climate Week at Samsung 837, our flagship location in New York City, in the metaverse at Samsung 837X and on the Samsung US Discord server.

[1] $2 million prize is based on an estimated retail value.

[2] Not open to the general public: No purchase necessary to enter or win. Open to employees at eligible schools in the fifty (50) United States/DC twenty-one (21) years of age or older. To enter/official rules: visit www.Samsung.com/Solve to complete the application form.

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Last week, Samsung employees participated in the 12^th annual Samsung Gives Day of Service. With over 2,000 available opportunities for service across North America, participants partnered with 38 different non-profit organizations to complete the company’s first in-person service event following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. For the last two years, employees continued to support their communities with a variety of virtual activities, some of which were also offered during this year’s event.

With Samsung’s core values of people and co-prosperity, the company seeks to empower individuals to achieve their full potential and pioneer positive social change. Service opportunities were aligned with Samsung’s commitments to education, sustainability or diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I), although many covered more than one cause.

The day included 18 events dedicated to Samsung’s commitment to the environment, including education on the effects of food growth, production and consumption on the sustainability of the world’s food system. From cleaning up parks, to renovating gardens, employees had various opportunities to immerse themselves in nature, while supporting local communities.

Following the launch of the 13^th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition, employees participated in two events specifically aligned with program and Samsung’s corporate citizenship mission of “Together for Tomorrow! Enabling People.” In 2017, the John P. Holland Charter School in Woodland Park, NJ was a Solve for Tomorrow National Finalist for their app tracking student walks to and from school. For one of this year’s activities, employees visited the students to build on interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

With the help of Samsung Electronics America’s six Employee Resource Groups, the company was able to partner with many organizations that supported its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. In Texas, Samsung promoted reading and learning with preschoolers at Mi Escuelita Preschool, where students are taught English and prepared for academic success.

This year’s Day of Service occurred during Hunger Action Month, dedicated to raising awareness and taking action on the hunger crisis. Samsung Gives participants had nine events to choose from aligned with improving food security, including packing and delivering meals and working with local farms to provide nutritious foods to communities.

Throughout the country, employees gathered together at their regional offices to pack and deliver thousands of healthy, delicious meals for community members in need. In Texas, participants had a unique experience, as they were able to complete the service chain from start to finish as they packed, transported and delivered meals in partnership with The Pack Shack and North Texas Food Bank.

“At Samsung, we are dedicated to empowering our employees and driving positive change in communities nationwide,” said Michelle Crossan-Matos, Chief Marketing, Citizenship & Communications Officer at Samsung Electronics America. “Our employees have a passion for giving, and since Samsung Gives launched in 2014, over 144,000 employee hours have been donated to non-profit organizations across the country. It is so rewarding to witness the impact that is being made and the incredible ripple effect that volunteering has on these communities.”

The post Samsung Employees Serve Communities during Day of Service appeared first on Samsung US Newsroom.

Sustainability has become more important than ever. These days, the younger generations of today are more motivated to find real solutions to tackle climate change, and are actively taking steps to create a cleaner, brighter future.

In order to support the younger generations and their goals, Samsung Electronics launched its Solve for Tomorrow program in 2010, a program helping young people utilize STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) related skills to solve societal problems. The program began in the United States and has since expanded to 50 countries, with a total of 2 million students having participated.

Deniz Hatiboglu, Solve for Tomorrow program manager at Samsung Electronics America, paid a visit to Princeton High School in New Jersey, to commemorate the program’s 13th anniversary. As one of the winning teams in the 2021-2022 contest for their innovative food waste disposal project using insects, the team has continued to refine their ideas a year later.

Watch the video below to learn more about the Solve for Tomorrow program and the youth contributing to sustainable solutions.

The post Meet the Youth Changing the World Through Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow Program appeared first on Samsung US Newsroom.

Samsung Electronics America today announced that 300 public schools across America have been named State Finalists in the 13^th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow national competition. Representing the cream of more than one thousand competition entrants, each State Finalist has won a package of $2,500 in technology and school supplies. These Finalists advance to additional stages of the competition that will culminate in three schools being selected in May as National Winners, and receive $100,000 prize packages. The full list of State Finalists can be found here.

The annual Solve for Tomorrow competition challenges public school students in grades 6-12 to explore the role science, technology, engineering, and math (the core STEM subjects) can play in addressing some of the biggest issues in their local communities. The competition is designed to engage students in active, hands-on learning that can be applied to real-world problems – making STEM more tangible and showcasing its value beyond the classroom.

“As a company and as individuals, STEM is incredibly important to Samsung – we depend on STEM-savvy people to envision, implement, and engage with innovative STEM-dependent products and services,” observed Michelle Crossan-Matos, Chief Marketing, Citizenship & Communications Officer, Samsung Electronics America. “Between 2019 and 2029, the number of STEM jobs are predicted to grow 8%, a higher rate than non-STEM jobs. But while STEM skills are key to a 21^st century workforce, we know that national test scores in STEM subjects like Math have fallen by the largest margin in 30+ years. Solve for Tomorrow was designed to provide schools and teachers with an innovative, problem-based learning approach to STEM education to boost student interest, proficiency, and diversity in STEM. This fresh crop of impressive State Finalists is proof that we’re succeeding.”

Ann Woo, Senior Director, Corporate Citizenship, Samsung Electronics America, noted several significant trends in the program proposals submitted this fall, “Every year’s entries provide a window into the concerns and aspirations on the minds of that cohort of middle and high school students,” Woo said. “A common theme this year is ‘connecting’ – whether that’s connecting people to people, peer to peer, across generations, or even around the globe. In fact, one school’s entry is based on its connection with a school in Ukraine – proposing a solution for providing solar power to students in a war-ravaged community. Climate change, school/student safety, and mental health are other top issues of concern for this year’s problem-solvers.”

“Giving students a voice in real-life issues affecting their communities allows them to see firsthand the change they can create in the world,” said Harry Preston, Computer Science teacher at Baltimore’s Green Street Academy, who is a State Finalist in this year’s competition and a 2021-2022 National Finalist. “We find our students are more engaged in our lessons and excited to learn new subjects when they are given the opportunity to learn through the kinds of hands-on experience Solve for Tomorrow delivers.”

From the pool of State Finalists announced today, State Winners will be announced in mid-February 2023.

Next Steps

• Teachers and students at each State Finalist school across the country are now asked to submit lesson plans detailing how their proposed STEM project will address the identified community issue.
• Based on those plans, 50 State Winners will be selected to receive a prize of $20,000 in technology and supplies and advance to the next phase of the competition. Each State Winner will also be given a video kit to help document their project in action.
• One of the 50 State Winners will also be named the Sustainability Innovation Award Winner, receiving an additional $50,000 prize package of eco-conscious classroom technology.
• From those video submissions, 10 National Finalists will be chosen to pitch their project to a team of judges. Seven National Finalists will each receive a $50,000 prize package and three National Winners will each be awarded the ultimate prize package worth $100,000.
• Of the 10 National Finalists, one Community Choice Winner will be named through online public voting, winning an additional $10,000 in Samsung technology, and one Employee Choice Winner will be selected by Samsung employees to also receive $10,000 of technology in addition to their national winnings.

More information on the competition and competition phases is also available at: www.samsung.com/us/solvefortomorrow.

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow launched in 2010 to encourage innovative thinking, creative problem-solving, and teamwork to address the most pressing issues impacting society. Today, the competition fosters critical thinking and creative problem solving, anchored in problem-based learning. To date, Samsung has awarded $24 million in technology and classroom materials to nearly 3,000 public schools in the United States. Solve for Tomorrow has been so impactful that it has expanded into a prominent Global citizenship program for Samsung Electronics now running in 33 countries worldwide and reaching over 2.1 million students around the world.

The post Samsung Names 300 State Finalists in the National Solve for Tomorrow STEM Competition appeared first on Samsung US Newsroom.

In an Opinion column for The Star-Ledger/NJ.com, Mark Eastburn, science teacher at Princeton High School in New Jersey, writes that to eliminate the national deficit in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) teachers – estimated at a gap of 300,000 educators – we need to change the way science is taught. Mark’s class was a National Winner in Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition, which challenges U.S. public school students in grades 6-12 to explore the role STEM can play in solving some of the biggest issues in their local communities. Drawing on his 23 years of K-12 teaching experience, his provocative plea is “Let’s stop beating the love of science out of our kids,” as he strongly advocates for embracing the problem-solving approaches to STEM teaching that Solve for Tomorrow encourages.

“Let’s stop beating the love of science out of our kids. After 23 years of K-12 teaching, the last five as a High School STEM teacher, I still love the work. Since joining the U.S. Peace Corps out of college, this is what I have wanted to do, inspired by my students, their curiosity, their enthusiasm for learning how things work. But I also have witnessed the sometimes soul-numbing impact of the WAY we typically teach STEM in the U.S. While improving STEM education is a broad goal shared across K-12 education, there are very real, practical hurdles we must address.”

Read his Opinion article here: https://www.nj.com/opinion/2022/12/our-children-are-natural-born-scientists-lets-not-beat-it-out-of-them-opinion.html

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In an Opinion column for STEM SmartBrief, a STEM education media outlet, Harry Preston, Computer Science Teacher at Green Street Academy in Baltimore, writes that a problem-based learning (PBL) approach to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education is a viable solution for counteracting the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on education at schools, including teacher burnout. In fact, he’s experienced how alternative approaches to education – in particular, PBL techniques – motivate and engage teachers as well as students, encouraging that strong teacher pipeline that’s in high need today. Harry – a National Finalist in Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition and a Solve for Tomorrow Teacher Academy alum – writes that students with just one top teacher are more likely to attend college, earn a higher salary, and much more. He believes that PBL can unite teachers and students, inspiring innovation to address real-world challenges which Solve for Tomorrow and Teacher Academy encourage.

“Since introducing problem-based learning techniques in my classroom, several of my students decided to continue their education and go to college to study topics related to STEM. I’ve learned that I’m a better version of myself as a teacher when I take the opportunity to improve my skills through professional development programs. They have taught me how I can give students opportunities beyond learning in a classroom and how to look for ways that students can tackle problems and apply their knowledge, helping them to better retain the information we’re trying to convey. That’s the definition of a win-win.”

(NOTE: Two Green Street Academy teams are currently competing in the 2022-2023 Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition, and both have made it to the State Finalists phase. State Winners will be announced in mid-February. Visit Samsung.com/Solve to find out if they will move on to the next phase of the competition.)

Read his Opinion article here: https://corp.smartbrief.com/original/2023/01/problem-based-learning-2

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In January, New York City Transit President Richard Davey paid a visit to Liberty Avenue Middle School. He’d learned that a group of seventh grade students from the Brooklyn-based school had participated in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition, which challenges U.S. public school students in grades 6-12 to explore the role STEM can play in solving some of the biggest issues in their local communities. What’s more is that they made it to the State Finalists level of the national competition for submitting a STEM solution about new “Subway Safety” communication technology for the world’s oldest, largest, and most used mass transit system.

Intrigued by a Brooklyn Reader article he’d read of their Subway Safety concept and impressed that they had advanced in the STEM competition, Davey wanted to pay props to the Liberty students and their teacher Jessica Abrams and assure them that their safety concerns are being heard. “I was ecstatic to learn that a group of 7th graders advanced to finals with an idea that involves the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to meet them in person,” said Davey. “This goes to show how relevant public transit is to every New Yorker, no matter how old. I commend the work they are doing and their teacher for her support and leadership. I wish them the best of luck in the next round.”

This encounter captures the essence of what Samsung seeks to accomplish through Solve for Tomorrow – to show students that with STEM, they have the power to make their voices and their ideas heard, and the power to change their communities for the better. And this isn’t just a meet-cute New York story. There are examples from the competition’s 13 years where local governments across the country have engaged with STEM students to discuss, build out, and help implement concepts that surfaced in Solve for Tomorrow entries.

Examples include designing new parks to reclaim and remediate industrial sites in Central Falls, Rhode Island; creating a smart phone app for Detroit that crowdsources locations of vacant lots and structures needing clean up or demolition; and deploying tablet computers in Texas to forge connections between nursing home residents and students to help battle senior isolation and depression. The list goes on.

The empowerment of being seen, and having attention paid to their innovations and ideas has encouraged students to pursue STEM careers; built confidence in their problem-solving ability; and set them on a path to future success. And that is what Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is all about – fueling the creation of innovative, empathetic, and bold thinkers, leaders, changemakers, and activists that are highly engaged in the direction of our society.

(NOTE: Samsung Solve for Tomorrow State Winners will be announced in mid-February. Visit Samsung.com/Solve to find out if Liberty Avenue Middle School will move to the next phase of the competition.)

Read the full MTA press release here: https://new.mta.info/press-release/mta-leaders-visit-liberty-avenue-middle-school-finalists-their-subway-safety-idea

And check out the Brooklyn Reader article here: https://bkreader.com/2023/01/19/mta-pays-a-visit-to-the-east-ny-7th-graders-behind-innovative-subway-safety-idea/

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Middle & High Students Use STEM to Solve Issues Impacting Their Local Communities: Environmental Sustainability, School Safety, Water Conservation & Mental Health

Samsung Electronics America today announced that 50 teams of students from public schools across the country have been named State Winners in the 13^th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow national competition. Each State Winner will receive a prize package of at least $12,000 in technology and school supplies – with further awards for teams that continue to advance in the competition. The full list of the 50 State Winners can be found here.

The annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition challenges public school students in grades 6-12 to explore the role science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects play in addressing issues of vital concern in their local communities. Participating students engage in active, hands-on learning that can be applied to real-world problems – making STEM more tangible and showcasing its value beyond the classroom. The winning schools were selected from a pool of 300 State Finalists who submitted detailed lesson plans outlining how their students propose using STEM to address an important community issue.

“Every year, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow entries provide a unique snapshot of the concerns and issues on the minds of America’s students – identifying what they perceive as pressing community issues they want to help solve,” said Ann Woo, Senior Director, Corporate Citizenship, Samsung Electronics America. “This year, what stood out for us was how frequently global issues of environmental sustainability found relevance in a local community issue our students wanted to address. Fully a quarter of all submissions fell into that category, followed by safety issues for schools and communities, water conservation, and mental and physical health. Notably, about half of the State Winners are from Title 1 schools.”

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow will culminate in three schools being selected in May as National Winners who will receive $100,000 in prize packages comprised of Samsung Technology and classroom supplies. Overall, $2 million in prizes will be awarded during this year’s edition of Solve for Tomorrow.

As the State Winners continue their journey toward the Nationals, each will receive a video production kit from Samsung to help document their STEM project. State Winners will be required to submit a three-minute video demonstrating how they are using STEM to address the issue raised in their lesson plan. Samsung employees will once again serve as mentors. They will be assigned to the State Winners on a one-to-one basis to help guide teams as they develop their projects and build a prototype.

Ms. Woo emphasized the mission behind the competition, saying “Samsung Solve for Tomorrow provides schools and teachers with an innovative, problem-based learning approach to STEM education. At Samsung, we inspire the world and shape the future with transformative ideas and technologies. Our business is all about igniting the next generation of innovators and changemakers. None of that would be possible without the STEM disciplines, and a STEM-savvy workforce. Solve for Tomorrow’s goal is to boost student interest, proficiency, and diversity in STEM. And hopefully encourage them to pursue STEM careers. This new generation of State Winners shows that we – and America’s public schools – are achieving those objectives.”

Next Steps

• State Winners need to submit their project videos for review by Wednesday, April 5, 2023 by 11:59 p.m. ET.
• Based on those video submissions, the field of 50 will be whittled down to 10 National Finalists who will pitch their project to a team of judges during an in-person event in May.
• Solve for Tomorrow’s judges will name three teams National Winners, each of whom earn a prize package worth $100,000. The seven other National Finalists each receive a $50,000 prize package.
• In addition, one of the 50 State Winners will be honored as our Sustainability Innovation Award Winner, receiving an added $50,000 prize package of eco-conscious classroom technology.
• Broadening the reach of the competition, two more honors will be awarded to teams that reached the National Finals. The general public will be invited to vote online for one Community Choice Winner and Samsung employees will name one team this year’s Employee Choice Winner. Each of those honors earns the winning school an added $10,000 of technology on top of their national winnings.

More information on the competition and competition phases is also available at: www.samsung.com/us/solvefortomorrow.

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Despite Challenges of Staffing Shortages & Burnout, Nearly 60% of Teachers Say That STEM Education Offers Unique Rewards

The positive impacts that U.S. public schools and their communities enjoy from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programs were underscored in a new survey conducted among some of the nation’s leading middle and high school STEM educators. Nearly 60% of teachers indicate that although teaching STEM is challenging – it offers educators unique rewards by engaging their student’s curiosity and enhancing their motivation, according to Samsung Solve for Tomorrow’s “The State of STEM Education” survey.

Additionally, the study finds that STEM education has been insulated from controversial issues (35%) – with 65% reporting that local school boards and communities are either “generally supportive” of STEM in their school or that the success of the STEM program has been a “solid positive” with the community.

Teachers also told us that implementing the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) techniques utilized in their Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM projects helped counteract the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on education at their schools. Among respondents, 46% agreed that by helping students see that their work can have an impact outside of the classroom and in their communities PBL has been a strong antidote to COVID-induced feelings of isolation, helplessness, and anxiety about the state of the world.

In December 2022 and January 2023, Samsung polled nearly 430 U.S. educators who led their school’s efforts in entering the company’s annual Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition, which is currently in its 13th year. Solve for Tomorrow challenges U.S. public school students in grades 6-12 to explore the role STEM can play in solving some of the biggest issues in their local communities. The competition requires participating students and teachers to engage in active, hands-on learning that can be applied to real-world problems – making STEM more tangible and showcasing its value beyond the classroom.

Among the survey’s top-line findings:

Responding teachers agreed that within their schools, STEM education is perceived as a “valuable contribution to our education mission” (74%) and a “doorway to tomorrow’s opportunity for a diverse student cadre” (53%). However, while these front-line educators feel “respected by students” (60%) and “energized by students’ enthusiasm for STEM” (60%), significant numbers of teachers also report being “underpaid” (41%) or “burned out” (26%).

“The State of STEM Education” validated that STEM teacher shortages are no myth. More than two-thirds of educators (65%) said that their school is experiencing a shortage of STEM faculty, with 13% indicating that it’s a severe issue. Probing the challenges of teaching STEM classes today versus other subjects, the majority of respondents (59%) reported that, “STEM education is challenging – but it also offers unique rewards in terms of encouraging student curiosity and motivation.” At the same time, fewer than 8% felt that remote learning took a heavier toll on STEM education than on other disciplines.

“Through our work on Solve for Tomorrow, Samsung has seen just how critical STEM Teachers are to ensuring the future of STEM education – and a vibrant STEM workforce,” said Ann Woo, Director of Corporate Citizenship for Samsung North America. “Society at large needs to listen to and understand the concerns of these dedicated educators – innovation and progress depend on the fruits of their hard work. We hope the insights from ‘The State of STEM Education’ will contribute to making sure our communities continue to provide what STEM educators need to thrive.”

The survey took a deep dive into the use of PBL – a technique adapted by many in the field as a tool for engaging students with approaches used in STEM workplaces. Educators expressed wide support for PBL with 44% saying that PBL has been broadly effective in engaging their classes and sparking interest in STEM careers. Another 44% stated that they believe PBL is a great equalizer, helping students who have had a hard time in STEM classes ‘get it,’ while also letting STEM naturals stretch their wings.

Speaking to the value of participating in Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, educators shared perspectives including:

• “We will be incorporating more opportunities for PBL with all our students at all levels. It is empowering to see their curiosity grow and their critical thinking skills develop. This is especially true of the students who previously may have been disinterested in science and STEM careers. To see students be successful and excited for science encourages our faculty to seek and create more opportunities for them to reach and exceed their dreams.”
• “It seems with every year since the pandemic has introduced new challenges. PBL has given the majority of my students a purpose for learning and for being here. They know they can just learn from home and be with their friends online but PBL offers a tangible learning situation. It feels “real” to them.”

These results strongly validate key objectives or the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition and other similar STEM education initiatives – to encourage diverse, innovative, and creative minds to pursue STEM careers, and to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion within STEM professions.

About the Solve for Tomorrow “ State of STEM Education” Survey

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow surveyed 429 STEM educators from across the U.S. between December 12, 2022 through January 14, 2023. Primarily teachers of STEM subjects (94%), a quarter of our respondents indicated that non-STEM subjects were either their primary or secondary responsibility. The composition of the respondent pool was relatively balanced – 48% to 63% – between middle school and high school teachers, reflecting some crossover between teachers who teach both 6-8 and 9-12 grades. Most school districts represented were suburban (43%) and the remainder almost evenly divided between rural (29%) and urban (28%). The full survey findings are available upon request.

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Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education holds special relevance for Alix Guerrier, the CEO of DonorsChoose, the nonprofit providing a trusted classroom crowdfunding platform for teachers. His personal experience as a former STEM student and middle and high school STEM teacher animates his concern about the dire shortage of Black STEM educators. A recent Donors Choose survey found that while 15% of public school students are Black males, only 2% of teachers are Black males.

In an April blog post in STEM SmartBrief, a STEM education media outlet, Guerrier shared his journey from “naïve” STEM student to head of the celebrated nonprofit that is Samsung Solve for Tomorrow‘s partner with a shared mission to ensure that diverse students in communities across the U.S. have the access and tools they need to power their STEM education. Writing about the shortfall in Black STEM educators, he maintains, “This disparity is unacceptable, with real-world consequences. Indeed, research shows that Black students who have at least one Black teacher between third and fifth grade are 33% more likely to graduate.”

Guerrier cautions that wishful thinking about STEM education won’t solve the challenges facing Black students and teachers. He proposes concrete actions to change things for the better – including promoting STEM education in ways relevant and meaningful to student’s lives – like the annual Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition.

Having addressed the final round of the competition last year, Guerrier writes, “I am excited about Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow program… where public school students submit ideas on how STEM can help change their communities. Last year’s National Sustainability Winner, Rhode Island’s Central Falls High School, identified environmental racism as a problem in their city and worked to turn brownfields into green spaces like parks and community gardens. This project not only taught students about STEM, but also about the real-world applications of these subjects and how they can make positive change.”

Another solution Guerrier sees for increasing Black representation in STEM education is to elevate the Black educator experience and provide more support to Black teachers and their classrooms. This is something DonorsChoose is committed to doing, championing a core principle that all kids can learn and positively impact their communities. Through the DonorsChoose platform, anyone can help classrooms in need, and connect donors and partners with Black teachers and racially and ethnically diverse schools.

Gurerrier concludes, “As a former teacher, I know positive role models have a powerful impact on students. Students who see themselves represented in their teachers feel seen and validated for who they are. This is why we need more Black STEM educators – to not only teach students about STEM subjects but also serve as role models and mentors, helping students believe in themselves and their abilities. By elevating the Black educator experience, promoting STEM education in relevant and meaningful ways, and providing more support to Black teachers and classrooms, we can make progress towards a more equitable future.”

Read Alix Guerrier’s full STEM SmartBrief article here: https://corp.smartbrief.com/original/2023/04/fixing-stem-education-for-black-students-and-teachers

(NOTE: Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2022-2023 National Finalists will be announced April 19. Visit Samsung.com/Solve to find out if a public school from your state advances to the final round and the live pitch event judging in May.)

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Students’ Creative Solutions to Community Issues Earn Each Finalist School $50,000 in Samsung Technology & Supplies

Samsung Electronics America today named 10 National Finalist schools from among this year’s 50 State Winners in the 13^th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition. Each National Finalist will receive a prize package of $50,000 in Samsung technology and supplies.

Solve for Tomorrow challenges public school students in grades 6-12 to use science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills to create positive change in their communities. The students behind the Finalists’ innovative projects, which address reducing food waste and insecurity, helping unhoused refugees, subway safety, accessibility, and water quality, will pitch their ideas on May 15, 2023 to a panel of judges at a live event in Washington, D.C. Three schools will then be chosen as National Winners and receive $100,000 in prizes.

“After three years of COVID disruptions that impacted students and educators alike, it’s been incredibly rewarding to see our Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition play a part in re-energizing the ingenuity and creativity that had been hobbled by remote learning and isolation for STEM students,” said Ann Woo, Senior Director, Corporate Citizenship, Samsung Electronics America. “The cooperative, hands-on, problem-solving focus of the Solve for Tomorrow challenge provided a spark for students looking to channel their energies to tackle issues that they see in their communities. These National Finalist students, teachers, and schools exhibit what we call STEMpathy – the use of STEM to help fix the issues they see affecting their friends and neighbors, people they EMPATHIZE with.”

All 50 State Winners in the prior round of the Solve for Tomorrow competition produced a three-minute video describing their project, the local community issue it addresses, and their proposed STEM-based solution. The National Finalists were selected based on their videos. Between now and May 15, 2023, the general public can vote online for one Community Choice Winner from among the pool of 10 National Finalists, who will win an additional $10,000 prize package. To choose your favorite Solve for Tomorrow Community Choice STEM solution, check out the Finalists’ videos, which can be viewed here.

“It was a difficult process for the judges to winnow down the full set of fifty State Winners to our ten National Finalists,” added Woo. “All the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow teams showed tremendous determination to help their communities. They worked hard on their projects and video presentations. And we believe that all State Winner teams deserve to be seen and celebrated as the talented and compassionate STEM heroes they truly are.”

Up next in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition:

• The 10 National Finalists will head to a live Pitch Event on May 15 in Washington, D.C. Judges will then select three National Winners, who will each receive $100,000 in prizes.
• One of the 50 State Winners will be honored as our Sustainability Innovation Award Winner, receiving an added $50,000 prize package of eco-conscious classroom technology.
• Of the 10 National Finalists, one will be named Community Choice Winner through online public voting, receiving an additional $10,000 in Samsung technology. To participate, simply view the student-created videos on the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow website and cast your vote. Voting is permitted once a day until 11:59 p.m. EDT on May 15, 2023.
• Samsung employees will name one team this year’s Employee Choice Winner. That honor earns the winning school an added $10,000 of Samsung technology on top of their national winnings.

Across all award categories in Solve for Tomorrow, more than $2 million* in Samsung technology and classroom supplies will be distributed in the 2022-23 competition.

As part of Samsung’s guiding vision of ‘Together for Tomorrow! Enabling People’, Solve for Tomorrow launched in 2010 to encourage innovative thinking, creative problem-solving, and teamwork to address the most pressing issues impacting society. To date, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow has awarded $24 million in classroom technology and materials to 2,791 public schools in the United States.

To learn more about the national STEM competition, please visit www.samsung.com/solve or follow us on Instagram or Facebook.

*$2 million prize is based on an estimated retail value.

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At Samsung Electronics America, we create and collaborate each day with the hopes of contributing to a better world. From making everyday changes that have a meaningful impact on the environment, to unveiling boundary-breaking innovation, to our annual Samsung Gives Day of Service, we are committed to driving positive change in the communities where our people live and work.

April 16-23 is annually recognized as National Volunteer Week – a time to reflect on the power of service in building stronger communities worldwide. To celebrate, we are shining a spotlight on volunteers within our organization who dedicate their time and talents to improve the lives of others.

Name: Kiev (Ciaban) Peterson

Role at Samsung: Business Analyst, Networks Business

Why I volunteer: As a United States Marine Corps Veteran, I have a personal mission of “continued service,” which drives me to volunteer and become more connected to my community, both in and out of the workplace. Many organizations rely on volunteers, and coming together with other like-minded people allows me to build empathetic bridges with both local and global communities. When I give back to the community I am provided opportunities to tangibly exercise my own core values of honor, courage, commitment, empathy and advocacy.

How I am supporting the community during National Volunteer Week: I joined fellow Samsung colleagues in Plano, TX to clean up local parks, ensuring they are litter-free to improve wildlife habitats and protect local water quality. By connecting with other volunteers, I was not only able to network with others, but also reflect on the importance of why sharing our time for a worthy cause is important.

Name: Yolanda Vicente

Role at Samsung: Partner Product & Platform Director, Samsung North America Service Business

Why I volunteer: Simply put, it makes me happy! Volunteering is a rewarding and empowering experience where I receive more than I give. Volunteering allows me to connect with others, to feel inspired and motivated, and to make new connections. Once you find a cause or area that is meaningful to you, where you can contribute, it’s easy to find the time and energy to volunteer.

How I am supporting the community during National Volunteer Week: I am a long-time mentor for Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition, and my time supporting Belleville High School in New Jersey started last February. Belleville High School’s Joy Alfano, Chemistry/Environmental Science Teacher and her students are the New Jersey “State Winner.” Over the last few months, I have supported them through the program, offering guidance, challenging solutions, keeping activities on track… and cheering them on! In exchange, I have been inspired by their passion for learning and for helping others and their creativity, project management skills, team play. This week, the Solve for Tomorrow program announced the ten “National Finalist” schools. While Belleville High School did not move forward in the competition, I reached out to Dr. Alfano and the students to celebrate their accomplishments and encourage them to keep innovating.

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At Samsung, we create cutting-edge technology to help you achieve the extraordinary. And by keeping sustainability at the heart of all that we do, we are building a better planet with all, for all.

Behind our eco-innovations are talented teams of Samsung employees who are working to make living more sustainable, simple. We know that building a better world is a big task, but it starts small. From increasing the amount of sustainable materials in our products, to offering over 1,700 e-waste drop-off locations nationwide, we are here to empower everyday actions that have a meaningful impact on our planet.

In celebration of Earth Month, we are shining a spotlight on some of the people who bring Samsung’s sustainability commitments to life each day, one green innovation at a time.

Meet Angie Adams, Senior Manager, Corporate Citizenship at Samsung Electronics America. Through her work with Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, she works with middle and high school students across the country who are innovating for a better future. Hear as Angie shares how sustainability is one of the top themes we see students focus on, and how Samsung responds in kind by awarding one school each year the Sustainability Innovation Award, which includes a $50,000 environmental sustainability prize package.

Check back next week for another behind-the-scenes look at sustainability at Samsung. In the meantime, explore the ways that you can join us in making everyday changes that have a meaningful impact. And stay tuned for more updates from our team members on how we infuse sustainability into all that we do!

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What was your path from Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition winner to where you are today?

Actually, it all started with my interest in journalism – my high school’s focus. Journalism was changing dramatically in my high school days, becoming much more digitally focused, with technology increasingly important to storytelling.

Our small class, 11 in all, was taking computer science – it was the first year the school taught coding. Our teacher Mr. Slabodsky told us about Solve for Tomorrow. While it sounded fun and prestigious, we were concerned whether a few journalism students could realistically compete against schools with more STEM experience, resources, and tech connections. Thankfully, Mr. Slobodsky had faith in us.

As our team built out the app, telling our story became increasingly important. I learned that in STEM, execution is important – but so is explanation. I became heavily involved in our presentations, and with making our Solve for Tomorrow submission video.

Once in college, I was privileged to serve as a Samsung intern – using my journalism skills to tell stories of Samsung’s Citizenship programs through social media.

So, for me, there’s been a very direct line from Solve for Tomorrow to now getting ready to graduate from CCNY and start my professional career. My dream is to use my storytelling expertise to be a voice for everyday people.

Tell us about the origin of the food security app idea.

As a writer, it has always been important to me to focus on “everyday” things. That’s how our project started. When our class began brainstorming ideas for a Solve for Tomorrow entry, I recalled hearing my mom – who was a school aide – talk about how much food she would see going to waste every day from the cafeteria. Meanwhile – our class all knew other kids in our neighborhoods who experienced food insecurity but didn’t want to let others know it. After identifying that problem, then thinking about how technology could bridge the gaps between hungry kids and places with extra food, and do it confidentially, creating an app was a natural.

What’s the most important thing you learned or took away from Samsung Solve for Tomorrow?

I’ll sum it up in one word – confidence! When Mr. Slabodsky suggested we should enter Solve for Tomorrow, we had our doubts. But as we moved forward in the competition, we got more excited. Winning some Samsung equipment in the early rounds, we felt more confident in ourselves. Our class began feeling more was possible, and we really dug in on our project. When we were chosen as National Winners – I felt I could do anything. For me as a writer – Solve for Tomorrow gave me confidence that my ideas were worth listening to. That inspiration has carried me through to today and will be with me into the future.

What’s your advice to STEM students and teachers who might consider entering Samsung Solve for Tomorrow next year?

Focus on simple things – the everyday problems of the everyday people around you – and what you can do to create positive change. We focused on hunger – one of the most everyday problems there is. There’s a word I’d hear during my Samsung internship that sums up what the most exciting and engaging Solve for Tomorrow projects have in common – STEMpathy. Projects that start with students exploring issues that negatively impact their friends and neighbors – projects that they can FEEL need fixing, to help people they can EMPATHIZE with. And then figuring out how to creatively use STEM to fix them. If you do that, whether or not you make it to the finals – it will be a win for you and your community.

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Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week, Samsung honors the deep connections we’ve forged with committed STEM educators, highlighting two teachers – M. Letitia Hubbard and Kevin Lay – who led their school’s teams to State and National triumphs in Solve for Tomorrow, Samsung’s nationwide STEM competition for middle and high school students. Firm believers in the important roles that the STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, and math) play in all our lives, Hubbard and Lay took time to share with our readers their insights on STEM education, STEM careers, and the impact that participating in Solve for Tomorrow had on their students.

Solve for Tomorrow is Samsung’s signature Citizenship program – showcasing the power of STEM to help shape positive change through projects developed by students to solve pressing issues they see impacting their local communities. At the heart of Solve for Tomorrow are our nation’s STEM educators – dynamic and inspiring teachers like Hubbard and Lay who motivate and lead their students through the long work of creating, developing, implementing, and presenting their Solve for Tomorrow solutions.

Across 13 years of Solve for Tomorrow competitions, we’ve come to know this dedicated community of STEM teachers, hearing and seeing what motivates them, and the challenges they face. Their thirst for lifelong learning and continued professional development prompted us to launch Samsung Teacher Academy for educators who have participated in Solve for Tomorrow. This immersive week-long practicum focuses on the STEM-centric techniques of Problem-Based Learning (PBL), a hands-on way of teaching through problem-solving that has been demonstrated to be particularly effective in STEM disciplines. Teacher Academy also provides participants with training in enhanced professional development skills including networking and communications.

But don’t take our word for it. Read on to learn what Hubbard and Lay have to say…

What inspired you to become a teacher?

One of my favorite things about teaching is the actual learning process itself! I am intrigued by observing how others learn and helping them to make connections between what they already know and the acquisition of new knowledge. My mother was an elementary school educator so I grew up surrounded by education and gravitated towards positions where I could continue to learn and help others learn. However, the very act of teaching has helped me appreciate the value of a stimulating educational environment even more. Embracing the concept of students and teachers as coexisting learners has helped make my teaching journey a rich and rewarding experience.

What do you love about teaching STEM?

I particularly enjoy teaching STEM because there is always an opportunity to learn something new that influences many of the very basic things we take for granted every day. However, STEM does not exist in a vacuum and more than ever we need students who are comfortable bridging the gaps between disciplines. A big part of helping students successfully navigate across disciplines is teaching them how to grasp new, unfamiliar concepts and cultivate the intellectual curiosity to ask and pursue unanswered questions. As a STEM teacher, it is both challenging and rewarding to help prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers to excel in a rapidly changing world.

How did the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow experience impact your career?

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow was an amazing experience for me and my students to work at the cutting-edge of STEM problem-solving. It was very empowering to come together outside of the traditional classroom walls and collaborate with students and faculty across the school in a focused effort to create a solution to a pressing issue. Many of the techniques that I learned in Teacher Academy helped to shape my view of student-centered pedagogy that I use in my classroom on a daily basis.

What do you love about teaching STEM?

What I love most about teaching STEM is being a witness to your students discovering that the process is just as important (if not more) as the product. STEM learning and processing puts Problem-Based-Learning at a whole-new level. For this generation of future leaders and problem solvers, STEM-centered learning positions each student with purpose, relevancy, and truly gives a unique and authentic approach to solving a problem.

How did the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow and/or the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Teacher Academy experience impact your career?

Being in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow family has been career changing. Solve for Tomorrow validates the STEM teaching going on in my classroom more than any other experience, assessment, or process that I’ve ever witnessed or been a part of. They have it set up for success from the foundation – to gather the future leaders in your classroom and give them the space to solve a problem that their community is facing. From there, the teacher truly becomes an educational facilitator. Through this experience, I have been humbled, and it affirms hope that future generations genuinely care for their community.

The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Teacher Academy has equipped me with tools that I use in and out of the classroom constantly. Problem-Based-Learning is more than just an extension, it provides the roots of the investigations and labs in my classroom. The networking with professionals in the field is incredible and provides connections that I continue to use to this day. But the friendships that I have made with professionals from around that nation are unparalleled. To be a part of a teaching family that shares an aggressive growth-mindset and that is passionate about the students they serve is something that, to me, provides a “peace that passes all understanding” for teachers and professionals.

What would be your advice to someone contemplating a career in STEM education?

Whether you are a teacher, or a student, if you are contemplating a career in STEM education, know that the possibilities are endless. Each step you take is preparing you for a future in STEM education with some fields that don’t even exist yet! This is why prioritizing a growth mindset, and always wanting to network and learn is SO vital to your future! Be a life-long learner, and use every step, forward or backward, as an opportunity to learn, to grow and ultimately thrive. Be thankful for the wisdom you gain from each experience, share that wisdom, and never stop helping others.

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Samsung Electronics America is hosting the final round of its 13^th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition at the Samsung Solutions Center in the heart of Washington, D.C. The STEM competition will be livestreamed on this page on the following dates and times:

• National Finalists Pitch Event: Monday, May 15, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET (pitch session #1) & 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET (pitch session #2)
• National Winners Reveal Event: Tuesday, May 16, 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. ET

Solve for Tomorrow is a national competition that challenges U.S. public school students in grades 6-12 to explore the role science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) can play in solving some of the biggest issues in their local communities. The program engages students in active, hands-on learning that can be applied to real-world problems – making STEM more tangible and showcasing its value beyond the classroom.

Monday, May 15: National Finalists Pitch Event

Representing the very best of more than one thousand competition entrants, 10 National Finalists from public middle and high schools in Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Indiana, Texas, and West Virginia will present their exceptional STEM solutions at a live pitch event on May 15 to a panel of esteemed judges. These ten student teams address global warming, transportation, veterans’ PTSD, unhoused refugees, the pollinator collapse, and more.

Tuesday, May 16: National Winners Reveal Event

The next day, three schools will be declared National Winners, receiving $100,000 in Samsung technology and supplies for their classrooms.

Moreover, three additional honors will be awarded:

• One of the 50 State Winners will be honored as our Sustainability Innovation Award Winner, receiving an added $50,000 prize package of eco-conscious Samsung technology.
• Of the 10 National Finalists, one school that was selected through online public voting will be named Community Choice Winner, earning an added $10,000 prize package.
• Samsung employees will name one team Employee Choice Winner from the 10 National Finalists, and they too will receive an added $10,000 prize.

Tune in!

The post Samsung Solve for Tomorrow: 10 Student Teams, 10 Ideas to Save Society & the Planet appeared first on Samsung US Newsroom.

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Names Schools from Delaware, Florida, and Texas National Winners in 13^th Annual STEM Competition, Each Winning $100K in Prizes

Samsung Electronics America, Inc., today named the three National Winners of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, the nationwide competition for public middle and high school students that awards $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 $100,00 in Samsung technology and school supplies, while the remaining seven Finalists receive $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 today’s celebration in Washington D.C. U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia and U.S. 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 honor the winners and all competitors were speakers including Mark Lippert, Samsung Electronics North America Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, 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.

“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 Ann Woo, Senior Director, Corporate Citizenship, Samsung Electronics America. “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 yesterday 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:

Moreover, three additional honors were awarded at the event:

• Bloomington High School South (Bloomington, IN) was honored as our Sustainability Innovation Award Winner, receiving an added $50,000 prize package of eco-conscious Samsung technology. Their STEM solution, Temp Mural, reduces the impact of global warming by engineering mural art using highly reflective, climate-positive barium sulfate paint.
• Richmond Hill Middle School (Richmond, GA) was selected through online public voting and was named Community Choice Winner, earning an added $10,000 prize package. Designed with veterans in mind, their community project, Safe Sleep, detects sudden increases in heart rate during a PTSD nightmare and triggers a companion app to play breathing exercises.
• Samsung employees named Brandywine High School (Wilmington, DE) the Employee Choice Winner, and they received an added $10,000 prize on top of their $100,000 National Winner earnings.

The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Winners and Finalists represented the very best of more than one thousand competition entrants who worked on their projects across the school year, advancing through multiple levels of the competition. Across award categories, including State Finalists and State Winners, more than $2 million* in prize packages was distributed this year. Since Solve for Tomorrow’s inception in 2010, Samsung has donated $24 million in tech and classroom supplies to 2,800+ schools across every state in the U.S.

To learn more about the national STEM competition, please visit www.samsung.com/solve or follow us on Instagram or Facebook.

*$2 million prize is based on an estimated retail value.

The post STEM Students to Nation – “We’ve Got This” – Proposing Solutions for Low-cost Assistive Technology, Heat Stroke in Sports, and the Pollinator Collapse appeared first on Samsung US Newsroom.