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Unleashing Potential: Innovation and Scholarships at the Frost Science STEM Challenge

Unleashing Potential: Innovation and Scholarships at the Frost Science STEM Challenge

Naomi MacCan
by 
Naomi MacCan
4 minutes read
News
June 10, 2025

Transforming the Engineering Design Process

At the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, a new approach to engineering design is taking the spotlight. The inaugural STEM Challenge, with the generous support of the Glenn W. Bailey Foundation, has redefined traditional STEM education by incorporating scholarship opportunities directly into the process. This initiative aims to eliminate barriers for students aspiring to pursue higher education.

Empowering Young Innovators

The STEM Challenge empowers middle and high school students from Miami-Dade County Public Schools and surrounding areas to confront real-world challenges with innovative, solutions-driven thinking. During the academic year 2024–2025, students and educators collaborated to devise creative solutions concerning marine science, astronomy, paleontology, and health. This year’s theme revolved around climate mitigation and adaptation, emphasizing its critical importance in today’s world.

Student Collaboration and Achievements

Oh, what a moment it was! Following a comprehensive two-stage judging process, 89 students from 15 different schools showcased their projects at the STEM Challenge Expo on May 10, 2025, held at the Frost Science Museum. Their ideas blossomed into tangible solutions, marking the beginning of a promising future. As an integral part of this program’s commitment to expanding access to education, 30 exceptional students received scholarships ranging from one to four years for attendance at Florida public universities, thanks to the collaboration with Florida Prepaid.

Innovative Solutions on Display

The Expo featured a variety of innovative student projects, including:

  • Hydrodynamic semi-autonomous underwater remotely operated vehicles aimed at coral restoration
  • Passive carbon dioxide capture systems developed with a creative touch

Students, brimming with passion, watched their imaginative solutions come alive during the Expo. Nyla M. from the City of Coral Springs Charter School expressed the excitement, stating, “It was really nice to see it all cohesively come together. It just shows the real-life version of what we had been dreaming of this whole time.”

Support from the Community

The STEM Challenge Expo drew an enthusiastic audience of students, families, teachers, and general museum visitors eager to learn about the students’ climate solutions. Esteemed community leaders, including the Miami-Dade County Mayor, attended to showcase their support and express gratitude for the students’ dedication to STEM learning.

A Night of Recognition

On May 17, the winning students reveled in their achievements at the STEM Challenge Banquet, held in the museum’s esteemed Ocean Gallery. In a heartwarming ceremony, students, teachers, and families celebrated the creativity, passion, and teamwork cultivated throughout the STEM Challenge. Winning projects exhibited not only innovation but also practicality, emboldening students on their paths toward higher education.

A Message from Leadership

Dr. Doug Roberts, President & CEO of Frost Science, shared his thoughts on the importance of the challenge, stating, “We couldn’t be prouder of the incredible creativity, collaboration, and commitment these students brought to our first-ever STEM Challenge. This program reflects our mission to inspire and empower the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.”

Looking Ahead: Next Year’s Theme

The upcoming year promises an even more engaging STEM Challenge, with a fresh focus on Innovating with Technology to Advance Science. Students will have the opportunity to explore designing new wearables, crafting 3D robot component models, or writing innovative code that sorts and interprets data. How exciting will it be to witness their creativity blossom once again?

Wrapping Up: The Power of Experience

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