Downers South Named State Finalist In Samsung's STEM Competition

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Downers Grove South High School was one of just six schools in Illinois to be named a state finalist in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM Competition. The contest challenges students to use science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to develop solutions to real-world problems.

“Solve for Tomorrow has long embodied Samsung’s strategy, purpose, and values,” Salman Taufiq, Samsung's Director of Corporate Marketing said in a statement.

Taufiq added, “From our roots as a small television manufacturer in the 1960s to becoming a global technology leader, STEM has been part of our DNA. As we celebrate 15 years of Solve for Tomorrow, we are proud to continue our commitment to ensuring America’s students stay engaged in STEM education and pursue careers in this field. These State Finalist teams are answering that call by engaging technology for good, like their quick adoption of AI to power wide-ranging solutions that address not only pressing challenges in their communities but also global issues.”

The state finalists are:

• Disney II High School, Chicago
• Disney Middle School, Chicago
• Wadsworth STEM Elementary School, Chicago
• Downers Grove South High School, Downers Grove
• Mahomet-Seymour Junior High, Mahomet
• Vernon Hills High School, Vernon Hills

For the state finals, students will work with their teachers on developing a STEM-based solution to a problem in their community. State winners will be announced in March and will receive prize packages valued at up to $25,000.