Latest news with #YoungScientist
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Science
- Associated Press
3M Young Scientist Challenge Announces 2025 National Finalists
ST. PAUL, Minn. and CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 25, 2025 /3BL/ - 3M (@3M) and Discovery Education (@DiscoveryEd) today announced the 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge ( #YoungScientist ) top 10 finalists. As the nation's premier middle school science competition, the annual 3M Young Scientist Challenge invites students in grades 5-8 to compete for an exclusive mentorship with a 3M scientist, a $25,000 grand prize, and the chance to earn the title of 'America's Top Young Scientist.' The top 10 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge finalists are as follows (in alphabetical order by last name): 'For 18 years, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge has empowered middle school students to bring science to life,' said Torie Clarke, 3M's executive vice president and chief public affairs officer. 'This year, the nation's brightest young minds have once again reimagined what's possible. Congratulations to each of the top 10 finalists! I can't wait to see how you make the world a better place.' To learn more about the 3M Young Scientist Challenge and meet the 2025 finalists, visit Challenge detailsThis year's finalists – 10 students ranging in age from 11-14 – identified an everyday problem and submitted a one- to two-minute video on their proposed scientific solution. Their proposals fall under an expanded set of entry categories, including robotics, home improvement, automotive, safety, AR/VR, and climate technology. An esteemed group of judges, including 3M scientists and leaders in education from across the country, evaluated entries based on creativity, scientific knowledge, and communication effectiveness. Next stepsEach of the 10 finalists will participate in an exclusive summer mentorship program with a 3M scientist. These mentors will provide guidance and advice to help advance their finalist's solution. Then, from Oct. 13-14, each finalist will travel to the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minn., for the final interactive competition. At 3M, each finalist will participate in a series of challenges, including a presentation of their completed innovation, and be scored independently by a panel of judges. The grand prize winner will be announced, and they will receive $25,000, a unique destination trip, and the title of America's Top Young Scientist. Previous winnersPrevious challenge finalists and 3M scientists have collaborated to create solutions for a wide variety of real-world problems, including cybersecurity, coral reef health, water conservation, food waste, alternative energy sources, energy consumption, air pollution, and transportation efficiency. The 2024 winner – 14-year-old Sirish Subash from Snellville, Georgia. – created PestiSCAND, a handheld device designed to detect pesticide residues on produce using a non-destructive method. The innovation employs spectrophotometry, which involves measuring how light of various wavelengths is reflected off the surface of fruits and vegetables. A machine-learning model then analyzes this data to determine the presence of pesticides. Now in its eighteenth year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge continues to inspire and challenge middle school students to think creatively and apply the power of STEM to discover real-world solutions. Former America's Top Young Scientists have given TED Talks, filed patents, founded nonprofits, made the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, and exhibited at the White House Science Fair. These young innovators have also been named TIME Magazine's Kid of the Year; featured in The New York Times Magazine, Forbes, and Business Insider; and appeared on national television programs such as Good Morning America, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and more. In addition, a 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni Network was formed in fall 2022 and includes more than 100 former challenge winners, finalists, and mentors, who take part in networking opportunities and more. 'The 3M Young Scientist Challenge exemplifies the power of nurturing student curiosity by preparing students for the future, today. We are delighted to celebrate these young scientists for their commitment to solving real-world problems with innovation, creativity, and ingenuity,' said Amy Nakamoto, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Partnerships at Discovery Education. The award-winning competition supplements the 3M and Discovery Education program Young Scientist Lab, which provides no-cost dynamic digital resources for students, teachers, and families to explore, transform, and innovate the world around them. All the resources are also available on Discovery Education Experience, the essential companion for engaged PreK-12 classrooms. ### About 3M3M (NYSE: MMM) believes science helps create a brighter world for everyone. By unlocking the power of people, ideas and science to reimagine what's possible, our global team uniquely addresses the opportunities and challenges of our customers, communities, and planet. Learn how we're working to improve lives and make what's next at About Discovery EducationDiscovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art, Pre-K-12, digital solutions support learning wherever it takes place. Through award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and strategic alliances, Discovery Education helps educators deliver powerful learning experiences that engage all students and support higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Through partnerships with districts, states, and trusted organizations, Discovery Education empowers teachers with essential edtech solutions that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and accelerate learning. Explore the future of education at ContactsTim Post 3MEmail: [email protected] Grace MaliskaDiscovery EducationEmail: [email protected] Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Discovery Education
Associated Press
4 days ago
- Science
- Associated Press
3M and Discovery Education Recognize 32 State Merit Winners and 4 Honorable Mentions in 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge
ST. PAUL, Minn. and CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 24, 2025 /3BL/ - 3M (@3M) and Discovery Education (@DiscoveryEd) today announced the 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge ( #YoungScientist ) 32 state merit winners and four honorable mention recipients. As the nation's premier middle school science competition, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge features outstanding innovations from young scientists that demonstrate the power of science to improve the world. To enter the competition, students in grades 5-8 submit a brief video explaining their original idea to solve an everyday problem using science, which are evaluated for their creativity, scientific knowledge, and communication skills. This year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge offered students a set of new entry categories, including robotics, home improvement, automotive, safety, AR/VR, and climate technology. 'The projects submitted to the 3M Young Scientist Challenge underscore science's critical role in driving progress,' said Torie Clarke, 3M's executive vice president and chief public affairs officer. 'We applaud these students for making the world a better place through their innovative spirit. I'm proud 3M is inspiring students to use science and technology to address global challenges.' Each year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge recognizes the grand prize winner, 10 finalists, four honorable mentions, and up to 51 state merit winners – nationwide and in Washington D.C. The 32 state merit winners and four honorable mention recipients for this year's competition were selected based on their passion for science and innovation, and superb communication skills. Each state merit winner receives special recognition on the challenge website, along with a prize pack. The 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge State Merit Winners are listed below in alphabetical order by state: For the fifth time in competition history, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge also recognized select entrants with an honorable mention award. These individuals were selected for their unique and innovative concepts and effective communication skills. The four 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge honorable mention recipients are as follows in alphabetical order by last name: To learn more about the 3M Young Scientist Challenge and meet the 2025 competitors, visit 3M Young Scientist Challenge inspires student curiosity and helps build confidence by connecting what's learned in the classroom to the real world in tangible and hands-on ways,' said Amy Nakamoto, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Partnerships at Discovery Education. 'Congratulations to each of the students honored in for your effort to use science to create a better world.' Now in its eighteenth year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge continues to inspire and challenge middle school students to think creatively and apply the power of STEM to discover real-world solutions. America's Top Young Scientists have given TED Talks, filed patents, founded nonprofits, made the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, and exhibited at the White House Science Fair. These young innovators have also been named TIME Magazine's Kid of the Year; featured in The New York Times Magazine, Forbes, and Business Insider; and appeared on national television programs such as Good Morning America, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and more. In addition, a 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni Network was formed in fall 2022 and includes more than 100 former challenge winners, finalists and mentors, who take part in networking opportunities and more. The award-winning competition supplements the 3M and Discovery Education program Young Scientist Lab, which provides no-cost dynamic digital resources for students, teachers, and families to explore, transform, and innovate the world around them. All the resources are also available on Discovery Education Experience, the essential companion for engaged PreK-12 classrooms. ### About 3M3M (NYSE: MMM) believes science helps create a brighter world for everyone. By unlocking the power of people, ideas and science to reimagine what's possible, our global team uniquely addresses the opportunities and challenges of our customers, communities, and planet. Learn how we're working to improve lives and make what's next at About Discovery EducationDiscovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art, Pre-K-12, digital solutions support learning wherever it takes place. Through award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and strategic alliances, Discovery Education helps educators deliver powerful learning experiences that engage all students and support higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Through partnerships with districts, states, and trusted organizations, Discovery Education empowers teachers with essential edtech solutions that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and accelerate learning. Explore the future of education at ContactsTim Post 3MEmail: [email protected] Grace MaliskaDiscovery EducationEmail: [email protected] Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Discovery Education
Business Journals
14-06-2025
- Science
- Business Journals
St. Louis program offers global STEM and entrepreneurial education to students in under-resourced communities
On a Monday afternoon at Vashon High School in north St. Louis, a group of students take turns sharing answers for today's warmup. Inspired by a TikTok trend, they've been asked to reflect on their experiences as leaders in Show Me the World Project, an international learning experience rooted in STEM and entrepreneurship. 'Of course I get donations with a good pitch,' one student responds with conviction. 'Of course I know the difference between light, medium and dark roast coffee,' another says confidently. 'Of course I set a good example for my peers,' yet another student says with pride. Show Me the World Project dates back to 2012, when Samantha Lurie was in her fifth year of teaching biology at Vashon and participated in a school swap at Clayton High School with a group of students. The experience sparked big conversations around educational equity, as her students saw a huge gap in the opportunities and resources afforded to them at Vashon compared to students at Clayton. They wanted better textbooks, more electives and, most importantly, they wanted to travel abroad. 'I thought, 'Wow, what great advocacy, but I have no idea how we're going to fundraise all this money,'' Lurie says. expand The group set their sights on a trip to Costa Rica to align with the school's biology curriculum, which would also be accompanied by engaging lessons in STEM, culture and leadership. Eventually, they were able to fundraise enough money to cover the trip — but Lurie realized she had a much bigger opportunity on her hands. Lurie likes to say that the Show Me the World Project was founded when an educator, a scientist and an entrepreneur came together to pursue the vision that the collective community imagined and defined. With the help of co-founders Boahemaa Adu-Oppong, the director of data science and computational biology at Terrana Biosciences, and Sylvester Chisom, the CEO and founder of Global CTE Learning, Lurie has been able to refine the program, expand its education in STEM and entrepreneurship and make it accessible to many more students in under-resourced communities across the metro. The 501c3 nonprofit organization consists of much more than just a trip abroad, incorporating a robust 18-month curriculum of engaging, hands-on lessons in STEM, culture, leadership, finance and entrepreneurship. Adu-Oppong developed the program's STEM curriculum, leveraging existing modules she helped develop for Washington University in St. Louis' Young Scientist Program while a Ph.D. student and tailoring them to the Show Me the World Project. She developed a set curriculum and continues to work closely with teachers at participating high schools to execute the STEM lessons, which are housed across several modules that also incorporate education pertaining to global competency, cultural awareness, entrepreneurship and leadership. To kick off the project, students learn about the ecosystem, food web and native animals and plant species of the country they'll be visiting at the end of the year, such as Costa Rica or Ecuador. Students also get hands-on experience in entrepreneurship working in the project's specialty coffee program, which features single-origin beans from Colombia, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Honduras, Nicaragua and Peru. The coffee is available to purchase on the nonprofit's website, and students also sell the light, medium and dark roasts at the Tower Grove Farmers' Market. expand After the coffee program was launched in the 2016-2017 school year, the group was able to take 28 students abroad, up from 10. Eventually, the founders hope coffee sales can fully support the programming, but they currently rely heavily on support from the community. Donors big and small keep the project running, and in 2023, the founders received a $50,000 Food City grant from the Serving Our Communities foundation. Within the first two years of the project, participating students increased their GPAs by 50%, and 90% scored proficient or advanced on the biology state exam, compared to 7% of the total school population. More students are matriculating through college and studying abroad, too, with many going on to a career in science or starting their own businesses. Currently, the project works with students at Vashon, Soldan and University City high schools, and Kairos Academies, with more partnerships on the horizon. 'There's excitement around it and we hope to reach more students and more schools as we continue to grow,' Chisom says. 'That really is our mission — to unlock that travel component, to help expand their worldview, and prepare more students with these unique experiential learning opportunities so that they can find themselves in the world.' Explore more stories about inspiring St. Louis entrepreneurs who are contributing to the growth and success of the area's startup community. STLMade is a movement within the St. Louis metro that shines a light on the amazing things our innovative, tenacious, big-hearted people are doing. It's supported by a region-wide collaboration of residents, local leaders, institutions, organizations, businesses and nonprofits helping to tell our story — that St. Louis is a place where you can start up, stand out and stay.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Scientific leaders honored by 3M and Discovery Education
ST. PAUL, Minn. and CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 3M (@3M) and Discovery Education (@DiscoveryEd) today announced the recipients in the 2025 Alumni Grants Program. As part of the Young Scientist Challenge Alumni Network, the Alumni Grants Program supports past participants of the 3M Young Scientist Challenge (#YoungScientist). The 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni Network is comprised of former 3M Young Scientist Challenge participants, ranging from middle school to PhD candidates, and individuals pursuing full-time careers. Alumni collaborate in networking events, collaborate in a scientific community, and cheer on the next generation of young scientists. As part of the Alumni Network, former finalists are eligible to apply for continued support through the annual Grant Awards. The Grant Awards provide additional funding for current Alumni projects such as continuation of their original entry project, a new innovation that improves upon the world with STEM, or promoting science in their community and creating the next generation of young scientists. The 2025 Alumni Grants Program recipients are listed below by category and including their 3M Young Scientist Challenge participation year: Continuation of 3M Young Scientist Challenge Project Sean Jiang, Baltimore, Maryland, Infosound - A Novel Navigation Device Powered by AI and Depth-Sensing Technology for the Blind, 2023 Aakash Manaswi, Orlando, Florida, Evaluating the Efficacy of Novel Carbon Dioxide Spray and Pesticides Using a Convolutional Neural Network for Varroa Mite Treatment in Honeybee Colonies, 2024 This grant supports Alumni who are interested in continuing to progress or evolve the project they originally developed during the 3M Young Scientist Challenge. Each winner in this funding category receives $5,000. New Idea to Improve the World Viraj Pandey, San Jose, CA, A Novel Triad for Clean Energy: Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation Using Graphene Quantum Dots, Titanium Dioxide, and Sunlight, 2020 Moitri Santra, Oviedo, Florida, Development of a Microneedle Patch Sensor for Detecting Oxytetracycline in Citrus Root Tissues, 2021 Scientists are always exploring new ideas, and this category of funding is available to Alumni to support projects that are different from their original 3M Young Scientist Challenge innovation but have the goal of helping improve the world. Each winner in this funding category receives $2,500. Science in Your Community Anish Kosaraju, Saratoga, California, VeriCare, 2023 Veda Murthy, Fairfax, Virginia, Vishnu Murthy Foundation Science in Your Community, 2021 Amritha Praveen, Buffalo Grove, Illinois, Amethyst Changemakers- Bridging Abilities in STEM, 2023 Daniel Thomas, Colleyville, Texas, Mwalimu (Swahili for Teacher), 2022 Harini Venkatesh, Brentwood, New Hampshire, STEMpower!, 2022 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni are wonderful advocates for STEM in their communities. Funding can be used to support Alumni initiatives, such as community enrichment opportunities, school events, or community activation projects that help support the next generation of young scientists. Each winner in this area of funding receives $2,000. "The 3M Young Scientist Challenge showcases the power of middle school minds to change the world. The Alumni Grant Program offers past Young Scientist Challenge participants new opportunities to follow their curiosity," said Torie Clarke, 3M's executive vice president and chief public affairs officer. "I'm proud of 3M's support for this program. Congratulations to each of this year's recipients!" As the nation's premier middle school science competition, the annual 3M Young Scientist Challenge invites students in grades 5-8 to compete for a mentorship with a 3M scientist, a $25,000 grand prize, and the chance to earn the title of "America's Top Young Scientist." America's Top Young Scientists have gone on to give TED Talks, file patents, found nonprofits, make the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, ring the bell at the New York Stock Exchange, and exhibit at the White House Science Fair. These young innovators have also been named TIME Magazine's first Kid of the Year, featured in The New York Times Magazine, Forbes, and Business Insider, and appeared on national television programs such as Good Morning America, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and more. All previous 3M Young Scientist Challenge finalists who are part of the Alumni Network were eligible to apply for an Alumni Grant. "The 3M Young Scientist Challenge demonstrates what can happen when students apply what is learned in the classroom to the world around them," said Amy Nakamoto, executive vice president of marketing and corporate partnerships at Discovery Education. "These alumni are exemplars of cultivating curiosity to make the world a better place and we are excited that they are able to continue their work. Congratulations!" To learn more about the Alumni Grants Program, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, and to find supporting resources, visit About 3M 3M (NYSE: MMM) believes science helps create a brighter world for everyone. By unlocking the power of people, ideas and science to reimagine what's possible, our global team uniquely addresses the opportunities and challenges of our customers, communities, and planet. Learn how we're working to improve lives and make what's next at About Discovery Education Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art, PK-12, digital solutions support learning wherever it takes place. Through award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and strategic alliances, Discovery Education helps educators deliver powerful learning experiences that engage all students and support higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Through partnerships with districts, states, and trusted organizations, Discovery Education empowers teachers with essential edtech solutions that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and accelerate learning. Explore the future of education at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE 3M Company Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Irish Independent
30-05-2025
- Science
- Irish Independent
‘If you were their dad, you'd never shut up about them': how Stripe founders Patrick and John Collison came full circle
As the billionaires' firm was announced as sponsors of the Young Scientist competition that catapulted Patrick into the limelight, John Meagher charts the brothers' remarkable rise It was January 2005, and the Irish Independent's headline declared 16-year-old Patrick Collison 'the smartest redhead in Ireland'. He had just won the Esat BT Young Scientist of the Year, 12 months after finishing a runner-up in the competition.
