Palatka Jr.-Sr. High School has been named a semi-finalist in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2025–2026 STEM Education Contest, a national competition recognizing innovative, student-centered learning in U.S. public schools.
Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow program aims to close the technology gap by equipping grades 6–12 classrooms with technology, training, and mentorship to help students apply STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) skills to real-world community challenges.
This year’s semi-finalists were selected from thousands of applicants across all 50 states. Schools stood out for their creative use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics, and sustainable technology, while addressing current community issues.
As a semi-finalist, Palatka Jr.-Sr. High School will receive a $10,000 prize package, including Samsung technology, and will advance to the next stage of the competition, which includes producing a three-minute student-centered project video. Each semi-finalist team will also be paired with a Samsung employee mentor to guide them as they refine their project and pitch.
The 10 national finalists will be announced in March, followed by a live pitch event where judges will select three national winners, each receiving a $100,000 prize package. Additional awards, including a Community Choice Award and Employee Choice Award, provide even more opportunities for recognition.
To celebrate this exciting achievement, PCSD is proud to share a video capturing the moment Tami Buckles was surprised with the announcement of their semi-finalist status. This recognition highlights the innovation, dedication, and forward-thinking instruction happening every day in PCSD classrooms.
We can’t wait to see what comes next as they continue shaping the future through STEM learning.