XPRIZE Challenge To Young Innovators Starts April 22

Note: this article was also published on SciFi4Me.com.

The need to get kids to get interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields has never been higher. According to the National Math and Science Initiative, only 36% of US high school students in 2013 were ready for college-level science classes. These fields are needed to help jump start new ideas to help our world.

The need to grow that interest in innovation in the young has Disney and XPRIZE running a nationwide contest in connection with the release of the movie Tomorrowland. Beginning April 22, the XPRIZE Challenge asks kids to imagine the future and come up with an invention or innovation they then present through video, images, or stories.

The contest is set for two divisions – juniors (8 to 12 year olds) and seniors (13 to 17 year olds). All contestants must register through their parent or legal guardian, and the contest is open to all legal residents of the US aged 8 – 17.

Six winners will be announced in June, each getting a mentorship experience with a leader in their area of interest, as well as a $3,000 check, a 3D printer, and registration for FIRST® LEGO® League for the 2015-16 competition season.

The deadline for submissions on May 17, and for more information, visit the XPRIZE Challenge website.

(Read the list of winners HERE.)