Coweeman Middle School in Kelso, WA has been named one of 300 State Finalists in the 14th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition, receiving a $2.5K prize package.
Eighth graders Mackenzie Lee, Claire Cheslock, Sequoia Lamperth, and Adison Mean in Jennifer Echtle’s advanced science class secured one of five State Finalist spots in Washington with a plan to create a generator that can harness the kinetic energy of water to power small devices like phones and flashlights.
The girls were surprised and overjoyed at finding out they’d been selected. “We were jumping around like lunatics and I was basically bouncing the entire time I was in second period,” said Mackenzie Lee.
“It’s been fun—it’s definitely been some work—and I’m excited about what we’re going to be able to accomplish,” said Sequoia Lamperth.
Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is a national competition designed to empower students in grades 6-12 to leverage the power of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) to create innovative solutions addressing critical issues in their local communities.
The competition empowers public middle and high school students to catalyze change by applying Problem-based Learning (PBL) principles, environmental stewardship, and entrepreneurship to address some of society's most pressing challenges.
The full list of 300 State Finalists can be found here.
STEM skills are key to a thriving workforce and new approaches in education are vital. Between 2022 and 2032, the number of STEM jobs are projected to grow 10.8%, a higher rate than non-STEM jobs.
About Solve for Tomorrow Samsung Solve for Tomorrow was designed to boost interest, proficiency, and diversity in STEM. Next in the competition:
- Teachers and students at each of the State Finalist schools are asked to submit an activity plan by January 11, detailing how their proposed STEM solution will address the identified community issue.
- 50 State Winners will be revealed in late January and will receive a Samsung Video Kit to assist in the development of their “STEM solution pitch video,” as well as $12K in Samsung technology
- One of 50 State Winners will be recognized as visionaries for driving sustainable change through STEM innovation with a Sustainability Innovation Award, and an additional $50K prize package that includes Samsung ENERGY STAR® technology
- One State Winner will be selected for the new Rising Entrepreneurship Award, receiving a $25K prize package to foster the development of a scalable, sustainable venture that extends beyond the competition
- 10 National Finalist Schools will participate in a live pitch event where they will present their project to a panel of judges. Seven of these schools will be awarded $50K in Samsung tech and classroom supplies
- Judges will name 3 National Winners, each of whom earns a prize package worth $100K
For more information on the competition, go here. For media questions about Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, please reach out to Nancy Zakhary: SamsungSFT@relev8.co
About Kelso School District
Kelso School District has a goal of 100% (bit.ly/ksd-100) of students graduating high school and having post-secondary plans for college, career, trades, or military. Our mission is to prepare every student for living, learning, and achieving success as a citizen of our changing world.