Students from the Halton District School Board's (HDSB) I-STEM program have earned top national honours in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition, which challenges students across Canada to develop innovative solutions to real-world issues using Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Out of four teams selected as national finalists, two were from the HDSB's I-STEM Program, with Aldershot School winning first place and Elsie MacGill Secondary School securing third place.
The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition challenges students to apply STEM learning to real-world issues, fostering critical thinking, collaboration and social responsibility on both local and global scales.
Earlier this spring, I-STEM students from Thomas A. Blakelock High School, Elsie MacGill Secondary School and Aldershot School were named regional finalists. Each team received $2,500 in technology and produced a five-minute video presenting their solutions for building a more sustainable, inclusive and healthier world using technology.
Following months of research and collaboration, the national finalists presented their projects to a panel of expert judges at Samsung Canada Headquarters on May 28. Aldershot School earned first place nationally for Grade 12 student Keerthana Srinivasan's pitch on Quantum monte-carlo to find faults for photovoltaic farms, receiving $50,000 in Samsung technology to support and enhance STEM learning. Aldershot School also earned the School for Tomorrow title, recognizing their outstanding leadership in innovative education. The Elsie MacGill Secondary School team was awarded third place for Grade 11 students Hassan Rasheed and Karam Noori's pitch on Kinetic plates to turn kinetic energy into electrical energy, earning $10,000 in technology resources. These accomplishments underscore the power of hands-on learning and the ability of I-STEM students to apply their skills to solve real-world challenges.
The HDSB's I-STEM Program is an innovative, regional program for secondary students in Halton and open to students beyond. Students in this four-year program develop innovation skills related to engineering design and design thinking, entrepreneurial thinking skills and global competencies. Students learn to be prepared for technological change and disruption, globalization and shifting demographics.
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"This is a remarkable achievement that highlights the excellence of the I-STEM program in equipping students with the skills for future-ready innovation and problem solving," says Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the HDSB. "Through this experience, students build critical thinking, creativity and collaboration skills, while developing innovative solutions that make a meaningful impact. Competitions like this support the goals outlined in the HDSB's 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan, particularly in the areas of Learning, Engagement and Achievement, by connecting classroom learning to authentic, hands-on experiences. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our HDSB students for their outstanding accomplishments on the regional and national stages."
HDSB 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan
The 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan sets direction and prioritizes the collective actions of all students, staff, families and community members. This plan ensures our efforts as an organization are aligned and coordinated to support more than 67,000 students, 11,000 staff and the broader HDSB community. The six commitments identified in this four-year plan intersect and overlap to ensure that we take a cohesive approach to fulfilling its objectives.
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