Newberry High Students Win $10,000 Grant from Samsung

News Summary

Students from Newberry High School in South Carolina have won a $10,000 grant from Samsung as part of the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow national STEM competition. Their project aimed at environmental sustainability through a pollinator garden and a composting system. Although they didn’t win nationally, their efforts have led to valuable partnerships and enhancements to their school environment. The funding will support various initiatives, including robotics and classroom improvements, while also exposing students to potential career opportunities at Samsung’s local facility.

Newberry High Students Shine in STEM Competition, Score Big with Samsung!

Exciting news is buzzing in Newberry, South Carolina! A passionate team of student innovators from Newberry High School has just snagged a hefty $10,000 grant from Samsung. This sweet victory comes as a result of their impressive performance in the prestigious Samsung Solve for Tomorrow national STEM competition, where they proudly took home the state title for South Carolina.

STEM with a Purpose

The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition aims to encourage public school students in grades six through twelve to use their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) skills to tackle pressing local issues. The clever young minds at Newberry High took this challenge to heart. Their winning project focused on creating a vibrant pollinator garden along with a fantastic composting system for their school. These initiatives not only contribute to the environment but also educate fellow students about sustainability and the importance of pollinators.

A Community-Driven Endeavor

Although they didn’t clinch the title in the national competition, the Newberry students didn’t stop there. They collaborated with Crista Lukoski from the Newberry Soil and Water Conservation District, adding even more value to their project by integrating rain barrels and planting trees on campus. The journey wasn’t without its challenges, especially when it came to their compost project, which faced a few pesky wildlife encounters.

Samsung’s Sweet Surprise

During a recent school meeting, the mood shifted dramatically when Samsung revealed the $10,000 grant. The excitement was palpable, and the students were thrilled at the prospect of quickly obtaining essential materials for their ongoing projects. The funds from this generous grant will be divided wisely: $3,000 will bolster the robotics team, while each of the seven teachers at the school will receive $1,000 to enhance their classrooms. The rest will provide the Career Lab with shiny new equipment, such as a sublimation printer, a laser engraver, and robotics kits.

A Memorable Tour and Hands-On Experience

The award ceremony was not just about the check; it also included an exciting tour of the nearby Newberry Samsung facility. Students had the unique chance to see how appliances are manufactured in real-time. For many of them, this eye-opening experience ignited a newfound interest in potentially pursuing a career at Samsung. Observing professionals in action and engaging with Samsung employees left a lasting impression on the students, who felt appreciated and respected throughout the visit.

Samsung’s Commitment to Newberry

It’s worth noting that Samsung’s significant investment of nearly $500 million in its Newberry facility since its opening in 2017 has not only strengthened the local economy but also provided over 1,500 jobs to residents in the area. Covering an expansive 450,000 square feet, the facility primarily focuses on producing washing machines, fulfilling a crucial role in the community.

A Bright Future Awaits

As the Newberry High students continue their journey in STEM, it’s clear that they are on the path to greatness. Their hard work, creativity, and collaboration have opened doors not just for themselves, but also for their peers and the community at large. With support from organizations like Samsung, the future looks promising for these aspiring innovators!