Two Final Winners in Canada's first-ever Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Education Challenge

Ontario and Nova Scotia schools each receive $50,000 in technology and a STEM-inspired school event with Canadian YouTubers Greg and Mitch of AsapSCIENCE

MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 4, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, Samsung Canada announced the two final winners in the company's Solve for Tomorrow (SFT) Education Challenge that aims to deepen the passion for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) among Canadian students. Gordon Graydon High School (Mississauga, ON) and South Colchester Academy (Brookfield, NS), will each receive a $50,000 Samsung Solve for Tomorrow technology grant, tailored specifically to meet the classroom technology needs of each school.  Also, the winning schools  will host well-known Canadian YouTube partners Mitchell Moffitt and Greg Brown of AsapSCIENCE for STEM-inspired celebration events— giving students a chance to 'show-and-tell' how they solved an issue in their community by applying STEM. The winning projects will then be featured in an AsapTHOUGHT video created by Mitch and Greg themselves.

"The students' solutions to community issues showcase what is possible when you spark the passion of STEM learning in Canadian classrooms," said Mark Childs, Chief Marketing Officer, Samsung Canada.  "Samsung is committed to bringing Canadian students closer to 21^st century learning through technology, and we look forward to fostering and helping this innovation come alive for the students at Gordon Graydon and South Colchester Academy."

The two school projects harnessed the power of STEM in their own individual ways. Gordon Graydon High School students tackled micro-bead pollution issues within our Great Lakes, identifying a solution that could reap huge environmental benefits for these vibrant water-systems. In Nova Scotia, South Colchester Academy students teamed up using STEM to solve water issues that were not only flooding their school's soccer field, but damaging a nearby river's ecosystem. To see each school's winning video submissions, visit www.solvefortomorrow.ca.

"We can't wait to meet the rock star students behind these amazing community solutions," said Greg Brown of AsapSCIENCE. "STEM education is growing, shaping and inspiring the minds of students across the world, and it's incredible to see how this was brought to life in Canada—our own backyard! To the students at Gordon Graydon and South Colchester, we'll see you soon!"  

Launched in September 2015, the SFT Challenge invited Canadian classrooms from grades 6-12 to identify a community issue that could be solved using STEM. After various judging phases that saw the progression from 700 submissions, to 55 semi-finalists, to 11 finalists, the two final winners were selected in two different ways: one final winner through online, public voting at www.solvefortomorrow.ca for 'Canada's Choice', with the second final winner nominated by the SFT Challenge's judging panel.*

Along with AsapSCIENCE, the Solve for Tomorrow Challenge is supported by The Learning Partnership, a national charitable organization dedicated to advancing public education in Canada, and Let's Talk Science, a charitable youth development organization which creates and delivers free STEM learning programs and services that support educators and strengthen student learning outcomes.

"The Learning Partnership is delighted to support Samsung's Solve for Tomorrow Challenge in raising awareness of and nurturing STEM learning among Canadian students," says Akela Peoples, President and CEO of The Learning Partnership. "As the workforce becomes increasingly more globalized and technology-focused, STEM skills ensure our students are empowered to compete successfully in a complex global economy and drive Canada's continued competitive edge."

"Youth across Canada show great STEM talent," said Dr. Bonnie Schmidt, President and Founder of Let's Talk Science. "Our involvement in Samsung's Solve for Tomorrow Challenge is one way Let's Talk Science is supporting youth development through STEM learning.  In their projects, students are developing the critical inquiry and problem-solving skills they'll need for their futures and an appreciation for why STEM is so important in our lives."

To learn more about the Solve for Tomorrow Challenge and to stay up to date on next year's Challenge, please visit www.solvefortomorrow.ca.

*For specific rules information on the 2015-2016 Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Challenge judging process, please visit this link. 

About Samsung Canada

Samsung Electronics Canada inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances and printers. In 2015, Samsung was ranked one of the top 10 most influential brands in Canada, based on a study by Ipsos Reid. Committed to helping Canadians live connected and make a difference, its Samsung Hope for Children corporate giving program supports children's education, sustainability and health-related issues in communities across the country.

To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com.

Follow Samsung Canada at facebook.com/SamsungCanada, on Twitter @SamsungCanada 

SOURCE Samsung Electronics Canada Inc.

Rachel Wallace, North Strategic for Samsung Canada, [email protected]