Emma Willard in the News

EW and RPI Sponsor Innovation Challenge

October 3, 2006

mma Willard School, in partnership with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, has announced the launch of The Innovation Challenge, a juried science and technology competition for students throughout the Hudson Valley. The event will be held on April 28, 2007, and submissions for project ideas are due by January 15, 2007.

The Innovation Challenge is a competition designed by a team of Emma Willard students and RPI faculty to encourage innovative thinking through the application of math, science, and technology to the solution of a regional problem. “We are excited to be able to provide this opportunity for high school students in the Hudson Valley and surrounding area, and hope that it will inspire students to become involved in regional issues,” said Lisa Schmitt, director of curriculum and programs at Emma Willard.

Competitors will be challenged to propose a solution that incorporates technology in order to improve social equality and/or environmental sustainability. Solutions must include evidence of research and a thorough understanding of the current problem; application of technology and/or science toward the solution; and a detailed description—including supporting evidence and/or data—showing that it is the best solution to the problem and is cost effective

A prize of $1,000 will be awarded to the first-place team. The competition is open to teams of two to four students in grades 9–12. Teams must have an adult advisor from a participating high school (or a parent for a home-schooled team). Abstracts and team registration due are due by January 15 and semi-finalists will be announced on February 1. A minimum 3,000-word paper on the project is due by April 1, and the final competition will be held at Emma Willard School on April 28.

Submissions will be evaluated based upon:

Creativity/Innovation
Research
Practicality
Overall presentation
Quality of materials submitted

Learn more about The Innovation Challenge.

For more information about the Innovation Challenge at Emma Willard School, or to arrange interviews and photos with Emma Willard faculty and students, contact Steve Ricci at sricci@emmawillard.org, (518) 833-1785.

Emma Willard is a school in good hands. The Board of Trustees is involved and informed by an active Parent Council, Alumnae Council, and institutional leadership that includes Head of School Trudy Hall and a superior team of administrators.