Samsung’s annual Solve for Tomorrow contest is designed to raise enthusiasm for STEM subjects—science, technology, engineering and mathematics—and inspire creative problem solving among the leaders of tomorrow. Deliberating on social issues alongside students, the program is a leading example of supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of students to contribute to local communities.

Included among these communities are Reno, Nevada, where students like Isabella Reyes Klein and her classmates have already made a very big difference.

After recognizing that students with special needs at her high school required extra assistance to carry out everyday tasks, Isabella decided to put her STEM skills to use in an effort to help these students gain greater independence.

She, along with a group of her peers from the STEM Academy at Galena High School, utilized a 3D modeling program to design a portable tray table that could easily be attached to a wheelchair. The task was not without its challenges, but after much trial and error—and the creation of 21 prototypes—the students were successful.

Not only did the project allow the students with disabilities to gain a sense of autonomy, but it illustrated how a small gesture can lead to impactful changes. It also showcased the advantages of technology in today’s world. For their efforts, the team was named the Solve for Tomorrow National Winner in 2015.

Since 2013, Samsung has held 41 Solve for Tomorrow contests in 17 countries, with over 200,000 student participants.

This sunny April day was the day these students from across the country – Washington, California, Nevada, Mississippi, Pennsylvania – had been working toward all year: meetings with members of Congress on Capitol Hill, an awards luncheon in their honor and time with the top U.S. education and domestic policy staff.

The National Winners of the 2015 Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest were in the nation’s capital to be celebrated for what they had accomplished with their Solve or Tomorrow projects which focused on applying STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) to help improve their communities.

The Solve for Tomorrow Contest, which kicks off its sixth year in September, is an annual program that aims to foster more enthusiasm and interest in STEM education using technology as a motivator. The program follows the school year, running from fall through spring, and reaches students in grades 6-12 throughout the United States. A school-based model that encourages students to combine their creativity and STEM knowledge, this program not only encourages students to become the innovators of tomorrow, but it also encourages them to become engaged and caring citizens by asking them to apply STEM to address an issue in their community. For more information about the contest and the student projects, please visit samsung.com/solve.