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Samsung Opens Solve for Tomorrow Video Competition

• By Joshua Bolkan
• 09/19/11

Samsung has launched its second annual Solve for Tomorrow video competition, part of the company's Hope for Children philanthropic initiative, with more than $1 million in prizes for the winning teachers and students.

To enter the contest, open to grades 6-12, teachers are asked to visit the Samsung website before October 31 and fill out an application explaining how they would apply the contest in the classroom. Twenty-five semifinalists will be chosen to receive a technology kit to help create a video about how STEM can help improve the environment in the contestants' communities. Among the semifinalists, seven will win technology grants worth at least $70,000, and five will receive $100,000 technology grants.

The grants will provide products, software, and programming from Samsung, Microsoft, the Adobe Foundation, and DirecTV.

Semifinalists will be required to use the technology kits to ensure an equal playing field. They will also be allowed to keep the kits, which will include:

• A Samsung camcorder;
• A Samsung laptop;
• Adobe Premiere Elements;
• Adobe Photoshop Elements; and
• The official rules, an information sheet, and all documents required for participate in the next phase of the contest.

"My class looked at the impact hydroelectric dams are having on salmon fisheries in the Columbia River, and how clean energy could replace hydroelectric energy in our local environment," said Mike Lampert, physics teacher at Oregon's West Salem High School, which won the grand prize in 2011. “The project ignited a new interest in science among my students and winning the contest has allowed us to further expand STEM programs in our school.”

Partners for this year's competition include musician John Legend's Show Me Campaign and the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF).

"NEEF is committed to giving students the tools they need to solve problems in their communities and generate lasting positive change," said NEEF President Diane Wood. "Fostering an interest in STEM education by building on the passion of students for the environment is a win-win; students find solutions for issues in their communities while becoming interested in STEM subjects. We’re proud to continue our partnership with Samsung on this innovative program."

More information, or to submit an application, visit pages.samsung.com.