Solving Tomorrow's Problems, Today: Samsung Canada names Regional Finalist schools in 2018 Solve for Tomorrow Challenge

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) inspired, innovative solutions from 50 Canadian public schools bring them closer to $20,000 in Samsung technology grants

MISSISSAUGA, ON, April 3, 2018 /CNW/ - Samsung Electronics Canada Inc. today announced the 50 Regional Finalists in the 2018 Solve for Tomorrow Challenge. Part of the national education initiative's third year, the program aims to inspire Canadian students to discover a deeper passion for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)-based learning by applying STEM to real-world challenges facing their communities. These 50 Regional Finalists now move closer to being awarded one of four $20,000 Samsung Solve for Tomorrow technology grants for their schools, which will be announced this June.

"These students inspire us through their creative, collaborative STEM-inspired community solutions. From an outdoor, interactive 'living' classroom, to the restoration of a local woodlot, to indoor food-growing ideas, these students are attempting to leave a legacy in the communities they call home. We applaud their efforts and look forward to how their solutions will take shape, bringing them closer to 21^st century learning possibilities," said Mark Childs, Chief Brand Officer, Samsung Canada. 

Each of the 50 regional finalist schools will receive a Samsung technology package which includes a Samsung Gear VR, Galaxy Tab A, Galaxy S8 and Samsung Gear360 camera to assist them in completing their next bit of 'homework' as part of the Challenge: to document the implementation of their community solution in a two-minute video. Videos will go on to be reviewed by a panel of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow judges, with the top-scoring four schools being named Regional Winners in June 2018.

The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Challenge intends to inspire STEM interest and 21^st century learning opportunities in Canadian classrooms— especially relevant as, according to the 2017 Statistics Canada census, only 24.8 per cent of Canada's postsecondary graduates were from STEM fields*. Together with Solve for Tomorrow ambassador, Natalie Panek, and partners Let's Talk Science and the Ontario Science Centre, the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Challenge hopes to spark Canadian students' passion for STEM for tangible, community benefit.  

The 50 Regional Finalists for the 2018 Solve for Tomorrow Challenge are:

Samsung Canada thanks all schools who participated in the 2018 Solve for Tomorrow Challenge. For rules and regulations, visit www.samsung.com/ca

About Samsung Electronics Canada Inc.

Samsung Electronics Canada inspires Canadians to reach their full potential through a transformative ecosystem of products and services that deliver innovation and distinct design to every aspect of their connected lives. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, virtual reality and wearable devices, tablets and digital appliances. In 2017, Samsung was ranked No. 6 in Interbrand's "Best Global Brands" list and named one of the top 10 Most Influential Brands in Canada, based on a study by Ipsos Canada. Dedicated to helping make a difference in the lives of Canadians, Samsung's award-winning Hope for Children corporate giving initiatives supports public 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, or Instagram @samsungcanada or Twitter @SamsungCanada

*Data via 'Addressing Canada's tech talent shortage with an innovative approach' https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/leadership-lab/addressing-canadas-tech-talent-shortage-with-an-innovative-approach/article37432734/

SOURCE Samsung Electronics Canada