3M and Discovery Education, today announced the opening of its inaugural Improving Lives Award as part of the annual 2019 3M Young Scientist Challenge (#YoungScientist). The Improving Lives Award, a public voting recognition, will celebrate the student innovation with the most potential to improve lives. The online public voting period is open October 14-25, 2019.
As part of the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, the nation’s premier middle school science competition for grades 5-8, for the first time in competition history, the public will select one project from the 2019 top 10 finalists they feel will improve the most lives. In addition to the award, the winner will also receive a unique two-day destination trip. The Improving Lives Award exemplifies the ability of these young scientists to encourage innovation, promote the importance of science and continue their journey to reshape the lives of people in communities across the globe.
“3M employees are passionate about improving lives and the communities around us. Now we are sharing that passion with these young scientists and it’s truly inspiring to see the commitment they have to making the world a better place,” said Denise Rutherford, senior vice president, corporate affairs at 3M. “Through the Improving Lives Award, and in alignment with 3M’s commitment to advancing STEM equity and STEM education, we continue to underscore the importance of promoting science at a young age and showing the immeasurable impact it has. We’re excited to expand this year’s voting to the public and know that these 10 finalists will inspire everyone with their work.”
In addition to a chance to win the Improving Lives Award, all 10 3M Young Scientist Challenge finalists will receive $1,000 and a trip to 3M’s Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minn., where they will participate in the final competition on October 27, 28 and 29. They will be evaluated on a series of challenges, including a presentation of their completed innovation. Each project will be scored independently by a panel of judges to select the grand prize winner, who will receive $25,000, a unique destination trip, and the title of America’s Top Young Scientist.
“Discovery Education is proud to partner with 3M and administer a program that exemplifies what’s possible when we kindle the spark of wonder in kids. Over the years, we have seen finalists and winners alike forge new ideas in science, bring them to life and become advocates within their communities and beyond,” said Lori McFarling, senior vice-president and chief marketing officer, Discovery Education. “Discovery Education is excited to see what lies ahead for these young scientists — and the change that will result from their curiosity, innovation and commitment to bettering the world.”
The public can vote once per day during October 14-25 at https://www.youngscientistlab.com/competition/video_challenge/vote. The Improving Lives Award winner will be named on October 29. To learn more about the Improving Lives Award and the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, materials are available at youngscientistlab.com and through Discovery Education’s digital curriculum services.
