Final Call for Teachers to Enter the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. – October 23, 2018 – Teachers have until Tuesday, November 13, to apply to the ninth annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest by submitting their STEM project ideas for a chance to win a share of $2 million*** in technology and school supplies. This national competition challenges students across the U.S. to solve problems in their local communities using STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills. In partnership with DonorsChoose.org, the nation’s largest fundraising site for teachers, Samsung will also provide direct funding for the first 3,500 teachers that apply.

The entry form takes minutes to complete, and teachers need only answer three simple questions: (1) describe a challenge faced by the local community, (2) briefly explain how their students will use STEM to combat the local challenge, and (3) share the biggest hurdle hindering academic achievement in their school. Public school teachers in grades 6th through 12th – including charter schools that are 50 percent or more publicly funded – are eligible to apply. Past submissions include a 3D printed device to pick up and dispose of used opioid needles, a football helmet with integrated software and sensors to detect onset concussions, and a water sensor and barrier system to prevent vehicles from driving in unsafe conditions during floods.

“With each year of the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest, we’re inspired by the dedicated teachers across the U.S. who are igniting the next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians,” said Ann Woo, Senior Director of Corporate Citizenship at Samsung Electronics America. “By teaching students how to apply STEM skills to solve real-world issues, educators are inspiring a passion for learning while instilling a sense of responsibility among young students to foster change.”

Teachers who enter the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest will also be eligible to create a fundraising project on DonorsChoose.org, which they can use to engage citizen donors to raise necessary supplies for their STEM-focused project. Samsung will match 50 percent of their funding amount for the first 3,500 teachers who enter – up to $200 per teacher.

Samsung will also continue to award thousands of dollars to schools through each phase of the contest, including:

• 250 state finalists will be awarded a Samsung tablet for their classroom and each teacher will submit a lesson plan for their STEM-driven project.
• 50 state winners will advance in the contest and receive $20,000 in technology and supplies, as well as a video kit to showcase their project.
• 10 national finalists will be rewarded $50,000 in technology and supplies along with a trip to the final event where they will compete for three grand prizes by presenting their project to a panel of judges.
• Three grand prize winners will receive $100,000 in classroom technology and supplies for their school. Samsung will also award one Community Choice winner selected by the general public who will be eligible to win an additional $10,000 in Samsung technology.

Since its inception in 2009, the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest has provided more than $23 million in technology to more than 1,700 public schools in the United States. To enter the contest, and for contest rules, please visit samsung.com/solve.

*$2 million prize is based on an estimated retail value.

**Not open to the general public: No purchase necessary to enter or win. Open to employees at eligible schools in the fifty (50) United States/DC twenty one (21) years of age or older. To enter/official rules: visit www.Samsung.com/Solve to complete the application form.

*** The original deadline of October 30 was extended to November 13.