{"id":84654,"date":"2026-03-11T09:00:14","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T13:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/?p=84654"},"modified":"2026-03-11T09:39:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T13:39:16","slug":"samsung-announces-10-finalist-classrooms-advancing-in-national-solve-for-tomorrow-stem-competition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/samsung-newsroom-production.barbariangroup.com\/us\/samsung-announces-10-finalist-classrooms-advancing-national-solve-for-tomorrow-stem-competition\/","title":{"rendered":"Samsung Announces 10 Finalist Classrooms Advancing in National Solve for Tomorrow STEM Competition"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Spotlighting the next generation of innovators applying AI, design thinking, and advanced technologies to improve lives in their communities, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.samsung.com\/us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Samsung Electronics America<\/a> today announced the 10 National Finalist schools advancing in the 16th annual <a href=\"https:\/\/www.samsung.com\/us\/solvefortomorrow\/?r=true&amp;referrer=usnewsroom\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Samsung Solve for Tomorrow<\/a> competition. Selected from this year\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/samsung-honors-500-schools-16th-solve-for-tomorrow-stem-competition-2m-prizes\/\">100 semi-finalists<\/a> based on their project pitch videos, the 10 finalist teams will head to the national competition to compete for the National Winner title and prize packages of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.samsung.com\/us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Samsung technology<\/a> and classroom supplies.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.samsung.com\/us\/solvefortomorrow\/?r=true&amp;referrer=usnewsroom\">Samsung Solve for Tomorrow<\/a> is an annual competition that tackles the tech-education gap by equipping grades 6-12 classrooms with the technology, training, and mentorship needed to apply STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) skills to real-world issues in their communities. Over the years, it has become a force for reshaping the perception of STEM as a vital field for fostering a skilled workforce and informed citizens of tomorrow. Collectively, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.samsung.com\/us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Samsung<\/a> has awarded more than $29 million in technology and classroom resources to public schools in all 50 states.<\/p>\n<p>This year, with guidance from their teachers, schools, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.samsung.com\/us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Samsung<\/a> employee mentors, and local businesses and public officials, the Finalist teams\u2014half of which are from Title 1 schools\u2014will complete their STEM solution prototypes and present them to a panel of judges at a live pitch event on April 14, 2026 in Washington, D.C. These projects harness an array of emerging technologies, with 80% of projects incorporating tools such as AI, machine learning, Internet of Things sensors, drones, or 3D printing to address challenges in accessibility, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, public health, and medicine.<\/p>\n<div class=\"embedded product-module\">\n\t\t<a id=\"product-module-0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.samsung.com\/us\/solvefortomorrow\/\" title=\"Solve for Tomorrow\" class=\"snr-article_product-image\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/img.us.news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/06102359\/solve-for-tomorrownewsroom-product-module-1.png\" alt=\"Solve for Tomorrow\">\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n<p>Three schools will ultimately be named National Winners, selected by a distinguished judging panel of experts across technology, education, and public policy. Notable guests attending the event include Yoonie Joung, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics North America, <a href=\"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/tag\/allison-stransky\">Allison Stransky, CMO of Samsung Electronics America<\/a> and Cordell Hull, Executive Vice President and Head of Public Affairs, Samsung Electronics America.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEach year, these students remind us that innovation is most powerful when it\u2019s rooted in community,\u201d said <a href=\"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/tag\/allison-stransky\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Allison Stransky<\/a>, Chief Marketing Officer, Samsung Electronics America. \u201cFrom advancing public health to strengthening climate resilience and expanding accessibility, this year\u2019s finalists are harnessing AI and other emerging technologies in ways that are both visionary and deeply practical. We\u2019re proud to support their journeys and can\u2019t wait to see them take the stage in Washington, D.C., to share solutions that have the potential to create lasting impact far beyond their classrooms.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.samsung.com\/us\/solvefortomorrow\/?r=true&amp;referrer=usnewsroom\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-84663\" src=\"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/L1002947-2-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1704\" srcset=\"https:\/\/img.us.news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/10212155\/L1002947-2-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/img.us.news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/10212155\/L1002947-2-600x399.jpg 600w, https:\/\/img.us.news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/10212155\/L1002947-2-950x633.jpg 950w, https:\/\/img.us.news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/10212155\/L1002947-2-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/img.us.news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/10212155\/L1002947-2-2048x1363.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/img.us.news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/10212155\/L1002947-2-664x442.jpg 664w, https:\/\/img.us.news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/10212155\/L1002947-2-268x178.jpg 268w, https:\/\/img.us.news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/10212155\/L1002947-2-690x460.jpg 690w, https:\/\/img.us.news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/10212155\/L1002947-2-424x283.jpg 424w, https:\/\/img.us.news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/10212155\/L1002947-2-228x152.jpg 228w, https:\/\/img.us.news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/10212155\/L1002947-2-872x581.jpg 872w, https:\/\/img.us.news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/10212155\/L1002947-2-647x431.jpg 647w, https:\/\/img.us.news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/10212155\/L1002947-2-400x266.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h5><strong>Your Vote Matters: Help Choose the Community Choice Winner<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>The 10 Solve for Tomorrow National Finalists have showcased their groundbreaking STEM solutions in three-minute pitch videos, and now it\u2019s your turn to weigh in! Cast your vote to help select one Community Choice Winner, who will receive an additional $10,000 prize. Watch the videos <a href=\"https:\/\/www.samsung.com\/us\/solvefortomorrow\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>, vote for your favorite, and make your voice count. You can vote once per day until 11:59 p.m. EDT on April 8, 2026.<\/p>\n<h5><strong>This Year: An Interactive, AI-Powered Prize to Empower U.S. Classrooms<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>In celebration of Year 16 of Solve for Tomorrow, all 10 National Finalist teams will receive a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.samsung.com\/us\/business\/smart-signage\/interactive-display\/65-inch-interactive-display-wafx-p-android-os-sku-lh65wafplgcxza\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Samsung WAFX-P Interactive Display<\/strong><\/a>, featuring built-in collaboration tools and the Samsung AI Assistant<a href=\"#_ftn1\" name=\"_ftnref1\"><sup>1<\/sup><\/a> to help power the classroom of the future. Its intuitive interface and integration with education apps, like Google Classroom and Google Drive, allow educators to seamlessly optimize lessons and foster in-class participation. Each teacher will also receive specialized training from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.samsung.com\/us\/business\/solutions\/industries\/education\/?r=true&amp;referrer=usnewsroom\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Samsung Education Solutions<\/strong><\/a> team to effectively utilize the new Interactive Display and its AI technology in the classroom.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"embedded recommended recommended-post\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"embedded-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-badge\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Recommended News<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"recommended-card\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/samsung-newsroom-production.barbariangroup.com\/us\/samsung-solve-for-tomorrow-teams-up-mark-cuban-emma-grede-ai-action-lab-hundreds-new-york-city-students\/\" class=\"recommended-news\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/img.us.news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/26153849\/2263715197-268x178.jpg\" alt=\"Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Teams Up with Mark Cuban and Emma Grede to Host AI in Action Lab for Hundreds of New York City Students\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"details\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"details-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"post-category\">Corporate<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4>Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Teams Up with Mark Cuban and Emma Grede to Host AI in Action Lab for Hundreds of New York City Students<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"article-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"article-body\">\n<h5><strong>What\u2019s Next: Live Student Pitches &amp; Game-Changing Prizes Await<\/strong><\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li>The 10 National Finalists will head to a live Pitch Event on April 14 in Washington, D.C. Based on the live pitch presentations, judges will name three schools National Winners, each of which will receive a $100,000 prize of Samsung technology and classroom supplies. The remaining seven National Finalist schools will receive $50,000 prize packages. All 10 National Finalist teams will receive a Samsung WAF Interactive Display and Samsung Education Solutions team training as part of their prize package.<\/li>\n<li>From the National Finalists, one Community Choice Winner, selected through online voting by the general public, will receive an additional $10,000 in prizes on top of their National Finalist winnings.<\/li>\n<li>One Employee Choice Winner will be chosen by Samsung employees from among the National Finalists to receive $10,000 in prizes in addition to their National Finalist winnings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><strong>Introducing the 10 National Finalists<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-466\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-466\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\"><strong>School<\/strong><br \/>\n<\/th><th class=\"column-2\"><strong>City\/State<\/strong><\/th><th class=\"column-3\"><strong>Community Issue, STEM Solution &amp; Video<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">South Hampton<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Birmingham, Alabama<\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><strong>Public Safety<\/strong> \u2013 Tornado Preparedness: After devastating tornadoes repeatedly struck Pratt City and Forestdale, many families were left without timely warnings due to limited access to smartphones or weather radios. Students developed Storm Sentinels, a solar-powered, sensor-based tornado monitoring and alert system that uses real-time weather data, automated calls and texts, and neighborhood sirens to extend warning times and protect vulnerable residents. <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/yVHL1ryn8V8\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/yVHL1ryn8V8<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">James Lick High<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">San Jose, California<\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><strong>Public Health<\/strong> \u2013 Early Disease Detection: To detect disease before symptoms appear, the team created a Quantum Bioenergetics Diagnostic Engine that applies quantum physics simulations to gene expression data to measure early mitochondrial dysfunction. Using Python-based modeling and machine learning, the platform generates novel biomarkers\u2014including a \u201cQuantum Life Score\u201d\u2014to support earlier, more accessible preventive care. <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/LdHNmwzyrCI\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/LdHNmwzyrCI<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Northglenn High School<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Northglenn, Colorado<\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><strong>Public Health<\/strong> \u2013 Bone Injury Recovery: Students designed and 3D printed implantable bone scaffolds that mimic natural bone structure to support healing after severe fractures. Using CAD modeling, materials science, and mechanical testing, they engineered prototypes that balance strength with pore structures that encourage cell growth and tissue regeneration. <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/cM2O3r5fZ5w\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/cM2O3r5fZ5w<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Johns Creek High School<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Johns Creek, Georgia<\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><strong>Accessibility<\/strong> \u2013 Inclusive Music: Students developed a smart music stand assistant and haptic rhythm wristband to help visually impaired, deaf or hard-of-hearing, and non-native English-speaking musicians fully participate in band and orchestra. Using computer vision, AI, and microcontrollers, the system translates conductor gestures and spoken instructions into visual cues, vibrations, and multilingual text. <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/UYZngBYMxZg\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/UYZngBYMxZg<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Moss Point Career and Technical Education<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Moss Point, Mississippi<\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><strong>Sustainability<\/strong> \u2013 Aquaculture Protection: To protect fish populations along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, students created FishGuard AI, an early warning system that monitors water quality and fish behavior to detect stress before die-offs occur. Using IoT sensors and machine learning, the system analyzes environmental data in real time to strengthen food security and coastal resilience. <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/bQCI9pR5SQ4\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/bQCI9pR5SQ4<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Nashua High School South<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Nashua, New Hampshire<\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><strong>Accessibility <\/strong>\u2013 Special Needs Independence: Students created a smart mirror system that uses computer vision to guide individuals with special needs through daily self-care routines with real-time visual prompts. As users improve, prompts gradually fade while a connected dashboard tracks progress, supporting greater independence at home and in therapy settings. <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/S8Z7dnYPaT8\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/S8Z7dnYPaT8<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Doral Academy of Northern Nevada<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Reno, Nevada<\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><strong>Public Safety<\/strong> \u2013 Wildfire Detection: As wildfire risk intensifies in Reno, students developed Guardian Grid, an AI-powered system that analyzes traffic camera footage to detect smoke in real time. Thermal cameras and drones verify threats and map fire boundaries for first responders, while automated alerts and traffic adjustments support faster, safer evacuations. <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/cEpN_rLslaA\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/cEpN_rLslaA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-9\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">McNeil High School<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Austin, Texas<\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><strong>Public Health<\/strong> \u2013 Senior Fall Prevention: Students developed TUDO, a smartphone-based tool that uses computer vision to analyze gait patterns from a short walking video to assess fall risk. Applying biomechanics and machine learning aligned with CDC STEADI guidelines, the app generates a clear risk score seniors can share with healthcare providers for early intervention. <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/rvJJT_t0uu8\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/rvJJT_t0uu8<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-10\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Chippewa Falls High School<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin<\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><strong>Sustainability <\/strong>\u2013 Home Energy Efficiency: To reduce high heating costs for low-income families, students are using a thermal imaging drone to create a neighborhood \u201cheat loss map\u201d that identifies homes with significant energy waste. By applying heat transfer science, GIS mapping, and data analysis, they connect vulnerable households with targeted efficiency upgrades that lower bills and carbon emissions. <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/9eEFh3cUHlU\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/9eEFh3cUHlU<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-11\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Huff Cons Elementary &amp; Middle School<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Hanover, West Virginia<\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><strong>Environmental Justice<\/strong> \u2013 Water Purification: Facing severe water contamination from acid mine drainage and agricultural runoff, students designed a low-cost, multi-stage purification system with real-time IoT monitoring to serve coal-impacted communities. Combining filtration, UV disinfection, and sensor-driven data tracking, the system provides verified clean water while creating a scalable model for environmental justice. <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/VDWIQdNCWlM\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/VDWIQdNCWlM<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-466 from cache -->\n<h6><a name=\"_ftn1\"><\/a><a href=\"#_ftnref1\" name=\"_ftn1\">1<\/a>Samsung AI Assistant app features will be available with a future software update later in 2026.<\/h6>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Competing for $2 Million in Total Prizes, Students in Grades 6-12 Will Pitch Community-Driven STEM Solutions Live at Washington, D.C. Finalist Event <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":92,"featured_media":84661,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[29719],"tags":[30403,953,34,730,35,30487],"blue-badge":[],"class_list":["post-84654","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-corporate","tag-allison-stransky","tag-artificial-intelligence-ai","tag-education","tag-solve-for-tomorrow-sft","tag-stem","tag-yoonie-joung"],"acf":{"turn_off_retargeting":false},"fimg_mobile_url":"https:\/\/img.us.news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/10212101\/L1003406-2-600x600.jpg","fimg_url":"https:\/\/img.us.news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/10212101\/L1003406-2-424x283.jpg","primary_category":{"term_id":29719,"name":"Corporate","slug":"corporate","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":29719,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":1026,"filter":"raw","term_link":"https:\/\/samsung-newsroom-production.barbariangroup.com\/us\/category\/corporate\/","term_path":"corporate"},"badge":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/samsung-newsroom-production.barbariangroup.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84654","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/samsung-newsroom-production.barbariangroup.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/samsung-newsroom-production.barbariangroup.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samsung-newsroom-production.barbariangroup.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/92"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samsung-newsroom-production.barbariangroup.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=84654"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/samsung-newsroom-production.barbariangroup.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84654\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":84681,"href":"https:\/\/samsung-newsroom-production.barbariangroup.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84654\/revisions\/84681"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samsung-newsroom-production.barbariangroup.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/84661"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/samsung-newsroom-production.barbariangroup.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=84654"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samsung-newsroom-production.barbariangroup.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=84654"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samsung-newsroom-production.barbariangroup.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=84654"},{"taxonomy":"blue-badge","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samsung-newsroom-production.barbariangroup.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blue-badge?post=84654"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}