44.7 F
Washington D.C.
Friday, March 29, 2024

20 National Finalist Teams Advance in the US Army’s 2015-16 eCYBERMISSION Competition

The US Army today announced that 20 student teams have been selected as national finalists in the 14th annual eCYBERMISSION competition. The web-based science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) program—sponsored by the US Army and administered by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)—is designed to cultivate student interest in STEM by encouraging students in grades six through nine to develop solutions to real-world problems in their local communities.

The national finalist teams will advance to eCYBERMISSION’s National Judging and Educational Event (NJ&EE), taking place in Washington, DC metropolitan area June 20-24.

The national finalists were selected from a competitive group of 60 regional finalists by a panel of judges consisting of US Army STEM professionals. Each team presented a live, four-minute presentation on their project and then participated in an in-depth Q & A. The regional judges looked at how well teams effectively identified problems in their community using STEM to propose a solution.

“The US Army is pleased with the amazing pool of talent displayed nationally from the national finalists in this year’s eCYBERMISSION competition,” said Louie R. Lopez, AEOP CooperativeAgreement Manager. “Congratulations to all of the visionary and hardworking national finalist teams. I look forward to meeting each team at the National Judging and Educational Event.”

“These outstanding students recognized challenges that exist in their local communities and explored ways to solve them,” said Dr. David Evans, NSTA Executive Director. “We applaud the teams on their innovative projects. Their work is impressive.”

The national finalists focused their projects on one of seven mission challenges that affected their community, including alternative sources of energy; the environment; food; health and fitness; force and motion; national security and safety; and robotics. As national finalists, each team member will receive $2,000 in US Series EE Savings Bonds and an all-expenses paid trip to NJ&EE to compete for the first-place national award in their grade.

In addition to the national awards, the Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) is giving up to five STEM-in-Action grants to select eCYBERMISSION regional and national finalist teams to implement solutions in their local communities based on the results of their projects. Each winning team will be awarded a $5,000 grant. The grants are independent of the selection of the national winners.

The NJ&EE is a week-long event providing educational opportunities and team-building exercises for the students. This year’s event features a live-streamed national showcase and awards luncheon, tour of Washington, DC, and a STEM Challenge featuring demonstrations and hands-on activities.

20 National Finalist Teams Advance in the US Army's 2015-16 eCYBERMISSION Competition Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Today
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.
Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Todayhttp://www.hstoday.us
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.

Related Articles

Latest Articles