Gifted Atlanta

Future Problem Solving Program International has announced a two-week problem-solving competition for students in grades 5-9.

The World Solutions Challenge will first introduce students to FPS’s six-step problem-solving process. It will then give teams a real-world problem and ask them to develop a solution, which they will describe in an “action plan.”

Judges will review the action plans and select winners, who will receive up to $500 cash and a paid team registration for a Future Problem Solving program in their area.

Regardless of whether they win a prize, participants will get an introduction to the Future Problem Solving experience. I’ve been intrigued by FPS, but I don’t have any direct experience with it. If you have a student who is curious about how community problems can be tackled with innovation and teamwork, give it a look, either by trying out this two-week challenge or by visiting the Georgia FPS affiliate, which operates year-long competitions for students in grades 4-12.

Registration for the World Solutions Challenge is open through September 12. Students can compete as individuals or in teams of up to four people. The registration fee is $25 per team member.

(Note: After I published this post, I heard from someone whose kids have done FPS. She offered to talk with anyone who wants to know more about the program. If you want me to put you in touch, reach out to me via the Contact page and I’ll connect you.)