Alumni Feature: Alberton School Selected as a State Winner of Samsung Competition
Ms. McKenna Akane, a K-8 STEM educator at Alberton School and alumnus of our Elementary Education program, became a 2024-2025 Samsung Solve for Tomorrow state winner, securing a $12,000 prize package of Samsung products for her rural school.
Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is a STEM-based contest designed to increase interest and proficiency in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education. The contest selects one school from each state as a winner.
The annual competition implores teachers and Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ to solve a problem in their community using new and emerging technologies. McKenna says it is often challenging to meet the Indian Education for All standards due to a lack of resources available for educators.
Her class’s project aims to commemorate and preserve Indigenous cultures by creating respectful and culturally accurate virtual lessons for tribal communities. McKenna plans to partner with schools on Montana reservations each year, sharing technology to create immersive classroom learning experiences.
To enter the next round of the competition, schools have until March 6 to submit a short video summarizing the problem being addressed in their projects and how the school is using technology to combat it.
The top 10 schools will receive a $50,000 prize package and have the opportunity to pitch their solution at a national conference for a chance to become a National Winner. Three National Winner schools will receive a $100,000 prize package.
We are so proud of McKenna’s incredible work and dedication to educating Montana’s youth! If your school is interested in participating, please reach out to McKenna at makane@alberton.k12.mt.us.
