Priya Patel
TLDR: KIPP Academy Lynn Collegiate has won $12,000 in technology for their school as the state winner in the 14th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition. The students created a device to measure the Ultraviolet Index (UV) in an effort to address the problem of skin cancer, particularly among people of color who are often diagnosed at later stages. The team aims to develop an app or website that will alert users when sunscreen is necessary based on the UV levels. The next phase of the competition is the national contest, where 10 National Finalists will compete for a $50,000 prize package.
Students at KIPP Academy Lynn Collegiate have been recognized as the state winners in the 14th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition. The nationwide competition aims to empower students in grades 6 through 12 to use STEM to create innovative solutions for critical issues in their local communities. As the state winner, the school has been awarded $12,000 in technology for their school.
The winning project from KIPP Academy Lynn Collegiate focuses on tackling the issue of skin cancer and raising awareness about the potential dangers, particularly among people of color. The students have designed a device to measure the Ultraviolet Index (UV), and they plan to develop an app or website that will use the data collected to alert users when UV levels are high and sunscreen is necessary.
One of the students, Jasmin Linares, explained that her inspiration for the project came from learning about the discrepancies in health outcomes for people of color. She hopes to pursue a career in the medical field to address these racial disparities.
The project was developed by a team of 13 students who met regularly to work on the device. Allen Wang, Director of Academics, Secondary Science, Technology, and Engineering, highlighted the students’ engagement and passion for making a difference through STEM.
The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition aims to give students the opportunity to find their voice and discover their passions. Ann Woo, Head of Corporate Citizenship at Samsung, emphasized the importance of student-driven projects and the unique perspective that young people bring to solving real-world problems.
The next phase of the competition is the national contest, where the 10 National Finalists will compete for a $50,000 prize package. In April, three schools will be named as National Winners and will receive $100,000 in prize packages consisting of Samsung technology and classroom supplies.
