Samsung Honors 300 U.S. Schools in Solve for Tomorrow STEM

Samsung Electronics America has honored 300 public middle and high schools across all 50 states as State Finalists in the 15th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow national STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) competition. These schools have each won a $2,500 Samsung technology prize package, marking an important milestone as they compete for a share of more than $2 million in total prizes. The ultimate goal for participants is to become one of three National Winners, each of whom will unlock $100,000 for their school. The full list of State Finalists can be viewed at Samsung.com/Solve.

What is the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Competition?

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is an award-winning STEM competition that has gained national recognition for its impact on education. It has received prestigious awards, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Citizens Award for Best Commitment to Education Program, the Digiday Greater Good Award for Education, and a Silver Anthem Award for Community Engagement and CSR. This competition empowers students in grades 6–12 to use STEM to address real-world problems in their communities. By adopting Problem-based Learning (PBL) strategies, students develop practical solutions while learning about environmental responsibility and social impact.

Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow program makes STEM more accessible and engaging for students, moving beyond the traditional view of STEM as a field reserved for the privileged. This approach helps young learners gain a deeper understanding of STEM and opens up opportunities for future education and careers in the field.

Students Tackle Real-World Issues with Emerging Technologies

The 300 State Finalists were selected from thousands of entries across the U.S. and the District of Columbia. Nearly 75% of the entries came from teachers new to the competition, with over one-third from middle schools and 60% from Title 1 schools. This highlights the growing interest in STEM education and Samsung’s commitment to making learning more equitable.

Students from Generation Z and Generation Alpha are using the competition to create innovative solutions to pressing community problems. Approximately 33% of the projects focus on the climate crisis, addressing challenges like hurricanes, floods, wildfires, sustainable building materials, and renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. Mental health, social media impacts, school safety, and stress management are also prominent topics in student projects.

These student-led solutions often incorporate emerging technologies. About 60% of the projects use tools like artificial intelligence (AI), 3D printing, and robotics. AI plays a big role, with students using it for early cancer detection, health monitoring, helping the visually impaired, and improving language translation services.

Samsung’s Commitment to Empowering Young Innovators

Salman Taufiq, Director of Corporate Marketing at Samsung Electronics America, said, “Solve for Tomorrow has long embodied Samsung’s strategy, purpose, and values. From our early days as a small television manufacturer in the 1960s to becoming a global technology leader, STEM has been part of our DNA.” He added, “As we celebrate 15 years of Solve for Tomorrow, we are proud to continue our commitment to ensuring America’s students stay engaged in STEM education and pursue careers in this field. These State Finalist teams are answering that call by engaging technology for good, like their quick adoption of AI to power wide-ranging solutions that address not only pressing challenges in their communities but also global issues.”

Next Steps in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Competition

In the next phase, teachers need to submit detailed activity plans for their STEM projects. These plans should outline the community problem being addressed, the STEM-based solution, project goals, activities, and the expected positive impact. The deadline for activity plan submissions is Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Judges will review these submissions to select the State Winners, which will be announced in March 2025.

Recognitions and Prizes for State Winners and Beyond

Each of the 50 State Winners will receive a Samsung Video Kit to create a “STEM solution pitch video” and $12,000 worth of Samsung technology. One school will be chosen to receive the Sustainability Innovation Award, which includes an additional $25,000 prize and ENERGY STAR technology, for making significant contributions to sustainability through STEM.

From the 50 State Winners, one school will also be chosen for the Rising Entrepreneurship Award, receiving $25,000 to help develop their STEM solution into a venture beyond the competition.

From State Winners to National Recognition

The 50 State Winners will compete for a spot as a National Finalist. Ten schools will be chosen based on their pitch videos to participate in a live event, presenting their projects to judges. Seven National Finalists will each receive $50,000 in Samsung technology and classroom supplies. One school will be named the Community Choice Winner, determined by online voting, and will receive an extra $10,000 in prizes. An Employee Choice Winner will be selected by Samsung employees and will also earn an additional $10,000 in prizes.

The three National Winners will be chosen by judges, with each school earning a $100,000 prize to support their STEM projects and educational programs.

Conclusion

Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow competition continues to inspire young minds to use STEM for making a positive community impact. With a diverse group of State Finalists and significant investments in education, Samsung is committed to empowering the next generation of innovators and advancing STEM learning.