Driving sustainability through innovation
Journey from student innovator to STEM leader
How young innovators are changing their futures
Are you concerned about the sheer volume of food wasted every single day? According to the UNEP Food Waste Index Report 2024, one billion meals are wasted every day globally, representing one-fifth of all food produced for human consumption. Surprisingly, lunch waste significantly exacerbates this problem, particularly in schools.
At Newberry High School in South Carolina, lunchtime creates more than just empty trays—1,440 gallons of lunch waste daily, enough to fill a school bus in a few days! Rather than let it go to waste, a group of students saw an opportunity: what if they could turn it into something valuable?
Driven by a desire to make a difference, the students tackled a challenging project through Samsung Solve for Tomorrow. Working with special education teacher Ms. Heather Alexander, they applied STEM principles to develop an integrated sustainability project that addressed food waste.
The students created a pollinator garden and composting system to manage food waste and promote environmental responsibility. By separating compostable items, they reduced landfill waste and teamed up with the Robotics team to design a 3D-printed, solar-powered composting bin. Next, they plan to turn plastics and Styrofoam into concrete pavers. The compost now nourishes the school garden and greenhouse, earning them statewide recognition.
Elijah, the Robotics Team Captain who led the project, said, “Our project shows how STEM can drive lasting change, and we hope it inspires a campus-wide movement toward waste separation.”
To enable Newberry’s students to keep exploring innovative solutions to real-world challenges, Samsung donated $10,000 and invited students to tour the Samsung Electronics Home Appliances America (SEHA) facility to experience STEM innovation and explore potential careers firsthand.
“Our SEHA facility and customer care center in Greenville allow us to actively support the South Carolina community and help students prepare for future careers in STEM,” said Thomas Komaromi, General Counsel at Samsung Electronics Home Appliances America.
Ms. Alexander highlighted the program’s value: “Samsung Solve for Tomorrow united students of all abilities through STEM learning. Samsung’s donation and facility tour will continue to inspire students and open doors to future career paths.”
“During the insightful facility tour, we explored STEM innovations and career opportunities. Our team demonstrated how STEM education empowers us to develop problem-solving skills and create sustainable solutions through Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, showcasing its impact beyond the classroom,“ said Elijah.
Imagine a bridge, not only made of steel and concrete but also built with opportunity. For Shilin Yang, that bridge started with Samsung Solve for Tomorrow. His journey—from national champion for an innovative load-bearing structure to creating bridges for a rural village—demonstrates how STEM has the power to transform lives and communities.
With Samsung Solve for Tomorrow as his launchpad, he turned his ideas into impactful projects, setting the stage for a remarkable career in STEM.
For Shilin Yang, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow was an important steppingstone in his career. In 2015, his team won the national championship for developing a lightweight, durable load-bearing structure, earning him a place in Samsung’s champion research exchange program in South Korea.
“Since I was young, I like to make all kinds of models, such as house models, building models, or car models. When I heard about Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, I immediately signed up without hesitation. Fortunately, our team won the national finals,” said Shilin.
The following year, he joined Samsung Solve for Tomorrow’s “Dream Bridge” project, helping to build a bridge for a rural village. Growing up in a similar environment, he understood the struggles of students who had to cross rivers to attend school. He faced engineering and leadership challenges, but Samsung mentors helped him refine his problem-solving and teamwork skills. The experience solidified his belief in using STEM for social good.
Shilin’s achievements in the Dream Bridge project led to a government-sponsored scholarship, allowing him to pursue his master’s and PhD in Ukraine. Despite the war disrupting his studies, he completed his doctorate and returned to China as a university professor. Today, he mentors young engineers, leading his students to national victories in STEM competitions.
Due to his exceptional performance in Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, Shilin Yang was chosen by Samsung as a torchbearer for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, representing its public welfare efforts. “Being a torchbearer inspired me to set higher standards for myself, to be a role model for the next generation, and to contribute to society. I aim to find more scientific and effective ways to help others improve,” said Shilin.
Growing up in Zapayán Colombia, Daniel Eduardo de la Cruz always had a passion for technology. But in a town affected by conflict opportunities were scarce. That didn’t stop him. He taught himself programming robotics and AI determined to build a future in tech.
Through Samsung Innovation Campus he expanded his knowledge combining AI with his interest in philosophy to bring a fresh perspective to technology. His creativity and problem-solving skills made him stand out earning him recognition in both his capstone project and a hackathon.
Beyond his own learning Daniel wanted to help others. He founded a venture to support students preparing for the ICFES exam needed for university admission in Colombia. Many students struggle with limited access to quality educational resources making it difficult to compete for scholarships and university spots.
Recognizing this gap, Daniel created an accessible alternative that provides affordable and effective preparation helping young people improve their scores and increase their chances of further education. For him technology isn’t just about innovation—it’s a way to uplift his community and create a ripple effect of opportunity.
For Marian Carrascal, technology has always been fascinating. But without the financial means to pursue higher education she had to find her own way. Completely self-taught she immersed herself in coding spending countless hours learning from online resources and practicing her skills. Her commitment paid off as she became one of the top students in her Samsung Innovation Campus course. Her dedication and hard work made her the highest-scoring woman in her class proving that passion and persistence can go a long way.
Eager to expand her opportunities Marian also taught herself languages—including Korean—demonstrating her ability to learn independently and adapt to new challenges. Her determination caught the attention of Universidad del Rosario Samsung Innovation Campus’s partner in Colombia which offered her a role in one of their projects. This became her first formal job providing not just financial stability but also a clear path into the tech industry. What once seemed like an impossible dream was now within reach thanks to her relentless effort and the knowledge she gained through continuous learning.
“Samsung Innovation Campus opened doors I never thought possible. It gave me the structure and support I needed to turn my passion for technology into a real career, proving that with dedication and the right resources, anyone can achieve their dreams,” said Marian.
