Southern Middle School has been named Maryland’s winner in Samsung’s Solve For Tomorrow competition, a STEM-based program designed to enhance student problem-solving skills and promote the positive impact young minds can have on society.
The honor comes with $12,000 worth of technology for the school and makes it one of 50 schools eligible for 10 national awards. The contest is designed to inspire schools to tackle the emerging challenges and produce tangible innovations to help improve society. Its aim is to equip students with skills that go beyond technical and include critical and creative thinking, communicating, and collaborating skills required for the future workforce.
Southern’s entry detailed the work that students Avery Willet, Haley Brown and Julia Baker are doing to improve accessibility for a fellow student who uses a wheelchair and an assistive communication device. Noting the device’s bulky and heavy design, the trio – with the assistance of science teacher Jenna Borman – set out to create a more comfortable, user-friendly solution. Beyond functionality, their goal is to ensure their classmate feels fully included in the school community. As part of the ongoing competition, they will now develop an improved prototype.
“I am incredibly proud of Avery, Haley, and Julia for their hard work on this project that showcases their student-driven innovation and empathy,” Southern Middle School Principal Kelly McVey said. “They saw a need in one of their peers and took the initiative to create a meaningful solution. Their commitment to inclusion and accessibility reflects the very best of our school community. We can’t wait to see how their project continues to evolve.”
Solve for Tomorrow consists of three levels of problem solving: reframe, ideate, and realize. Contestants who make it to the finals will be offered an opportunity to pitch their ideas to win Samsung's technology in classrooms.
Since its inception in the U.S. in 2010, Solve for Tomorrow has expanded its operation in 33 countries worldwide including Korea. Samsung employees volunteer to advise on projects and offer their expertise in each country, walking the journey together with the contestants.