Bergen County Academies Team has been named the state winner in the 15th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow national STEM competition, earning recognition for their innovative approach to tackling a significant societal challenge. This prestigious award highlights the team’s exceptional creativity, dedication, and commitment to using STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) to address pressing community concerns. The competition, which encourages students in Grades 6 through 12 to design solutions to critical issues such as climate change, mental health, and school safety, saw fierce competition from hundreds of talented young minds across the nation.
The Bergen County Academies team was one of only seven state finalists, standing out as one of 300 nationwide contenders. Their project focuses on the development of a wearable AI-assisted navigation device aimed at improving the safety and independence of individuals with autism. This innovative solution not only addresses a critical need but also demonstrates the power of STEM in creating practical, life-changing technologies. By combining artificial intelligence with wearable technology, the team is working to offer individuals with autism a way to navigate the world more confidently and safely.
“We are incredibly proud of these students for their dedicated efforts in addressing the challenges of sensory overload faced by individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD,” said Principal Russell Davis. “Their commitment to exploring innovative solutions is both inspiring and impactful, and we are hopeful that their team’s research will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those with ASD.”
The Bergen County Academies team has been awarded a $12,000 Samsung technology prize package, which includes a Samsung Video Kit. This kit will be instrumental as the team prepares to showcase their proposed STEM solution in the next round of the competition. The prize not only provides the necessary resources to enhance the project but also enables the team to demonstrate their groundbreaking work in a way that will capture the attention of the judges and the broader community.
As they move on to the next phase of the competition, the state winners will work closely with Samsung employees, who will assist them in creating a three-minute pitch that outlines how their solution addresses the community issue of autism and sensory overload. This pitch will be an integral part of the competition, giving the team the chance to further refine their ideas and present their vision for the future of assistive technology.
The deadline for submissions to the next phase of the competition is March 6, and Samsung will announce the 10 national winners in mid-March. These selected teams will have the exciting opportunity to participate in a live pitch event in April 2025, where they will present their solutions to a panel of experts and potentially earn even greater recognition and support for their projects.
With their hard work, creativity, and passion for making a positive impact, the Bergen County Academies team has proven themselves to be leaders in the field of STEM. As they continue to develop their innovative wearable AI-assisted navigation device, their efforts are sure to inspire other young innovators to use their skills and knowledge to tackle real-world challenges. The team’s project holds great promise for improving the lives of individuals with autism, offering them a new level of safety, independence, and empowerment.
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