The Technology Student Association, in cooperation with the Verizon Foundation, Samsung and the MIT Center for Mobile Learning, is offering a competition for students from middle and high school (they don’t have to be members of TSA). Teams just need a faculty advisor to submit the entry.
To begin, gather a team of 5-7 students who wish to creatively solve a problem in your school or community by developing a mobile app that incorporates STEM principles and content. Bonus points will be given for apps that address education, healthcare, or energy conservation. More than one team is permitted per school. Teams must register by December 17 at www.verizonfoundation.org/appchallenge.
Then, prepare a 3-minute video describing the app and how it will function. Submit an essay that demonstrates the team’s understanding of the design process, the app’s functionality and its potential impact or outcome. And, submit a form signed by the school’s principal or administrator agreeing to the Challenge’s rules and use of the prize money.
Eight winning schools will receive a $20,000 cash grant, plus the students retain intellectual property rights to the app, which can be brought to the open market. And, each student on the winning team gets a Samsung Galaxy tablet and is invited to attend the 2014 National TSA Conference in Washington, D.C. in June to present their app to more than 5,000 attendees.