This past July, four exceptional Samsung Solve for Tomorrow< students from across the U.S. were offered a unique opportunity to participate in Babson College‘s Summer Study program. The program provided these public high school juniors and seniors with a game-changing three-week experience, centered around entrepreneurial education and leadership growth.
The students – participants in the 14th annual Solve for Tomorrow competition, which encourages 6th to 12th graders to use science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills to address pressing local issues and drive positive change in their communities – were specially selected by their teachers for having a keen interest in social impact entrepreneurship. They included Eniah Endriga and Carmen Martinez from Harvest Preparatory Academy in Arizona – a National Finalist school, Siddhi Singh from STEM School Highlands Ranch in Colorado – a State Winner school, and Anthony Yao from Stuyvesant High School in New York – also a State Winner school.
“The partnership between Samsung Solve for Tomorrow and Babson College exemplifies our commitment to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders and preparing them for the future of work. This program bridges the gap between applying STEM skills to solve community issues and leveraging entrepreneurship to amplify those solutions and make a lasting impact,” said Ann Woo, Head of Corporate Citizenship, Samsung Electronics America. “As these students return to their respective schools and communities, they carry with them the knowledge, skills, and drive to continue making a difference.”
Blending Experiential Learning with Leadership Development
Launched in 2011, Summer Study was designed to help pre-college youth learn how to be entrepreneurial thinkers and actors. Born out of the Babson Institute for Social Innovation, the program, which offers four college credits to rising high school juniors and seniors, focuses on creating critical life skills for youth, increasing their agency to become changemakers. Samsung participants engaged in virtual sessions with Babson faculty, entrepreneurship experts, and peers from around the world. The curriculum focused on team-based projects, fostering collaborative problem-solving and applying Babson College’s Entrepreneurial Thought and Action® method.
“Babson’s EPIC—Entrepreneurship Program for Innovators and Changemakers—curriculum, taught in the summer study program, is grounded in our belief that entrepreneurs can and should create both economic and social value. Approaching problems with an entrepreneurial mindset empowers students and offers numerous social-emotional and academic benefits. This mindset extends beyond the classroom and venture creation, enabling young people to gain confidence, navigate uncertainty, and create opportunities throughout their lives,” said Dr. Beth Goldstein, Senior Director, Academic Strategy, Babson Academy Youth Impact Lab.
During the program, students explored entrepreneurship fundamentals and aligned their strengths and passions with U.N. Global Goals, identifying key community issues. The Babson College Summer Study emphasized experiential learning through human-centered design, field research, prototype development, and a “Rocket Pitch” to peers and mentors. It also covered interdisciplinary knowledge, including marketing, operations, finance, and leadership qualities, stressing emotional intelligence and social justice.
Tackling Food Waste & Reflecting on Personal Growth
Leveraging their learning, the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow students developed “SelfShelf,” a software program to address U.S. restaurant food waste, which significantly contributes to landfill waste and emissions. U.S. restaurants generate 22-33 billion tons of food waste annually. SelfShelf simplifies restaurant inventory management through easy tracking, sending notifications for expiration dates, low stock, and wholesaler deals, aiming to reduce waste and improve food safety.
For the four students selected through Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, building on their successful Year 14 competition experience, this experience was not just about academic enrichment but also about personal growth and empowerment.
- “Now that the summer study program has finished, my take on entrepreneurship has broadened. I now see it as creating a business venture that not only generates profit but also addresses societal issues and brings tangible benefits to our community.” – Eniah Endriga, Junior, Harvest Preparatory Academy
- “I’ve learned various notable entrepreneurial skills. For example, I now realize the importance of thorough research and preparation when developing a solution to a problem. Without proper research, you risk creating an unnecessary solution.” – Anthony Yao, Senior, Stuyvesant High School
- “Looking back on my summer study experience, my views on entrepreneurship have changed. I used to think it was mainly about starting successful businesses. Now I know that success is not just measured by profit, but by creating a lasting, beneficial legacy.” – Siddhi Singh, Junior, STEM School Highlands Ranch
- “My advice to students is to put yourself out there and say yes to rare opportunities – like Samsung Solve for Tomorrow and the Babson entrepreneurship program, even if you’re unsure. It might be nerve-wracking since you won’t know what to expect, but remember, everyone else feels the same way.” – Carmen Martinez, Senior, Harvest Preparatory Academy
“This Babson program will hopefully not only inspire Samsung Solve for Tomorrow students to continue developing their previous STEM solutions, but also support them in their future endeavors to positively impact society through their own efforts,” added Woo.
Through initiatives like the Babson College Summer Study program, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is paving the way for a future where innovation and social impact go hand in hand, empowering young leaders to create a more sustainable and equitable world.
To learn more about the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition, which will be accepting entries through 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, October 24, 2024, please visit Samsung.com/solve