On January 19, 2023, 3M and Discovery Education announced the launch of the Young Scientist Challenge Alumni Network and Alumni Grants Program. As a part of the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, the initiative will support prior participants and future science leaders.
The annual 3M Young Scientist Challenge, the country's premier middle school science competition, invites kids in grades 5 to 8 to compete for a grand prize of $25,000, mentorship with a 3M scientist, and the title of "America's Top Young Scientist." In addition, the new Alumni Network and Alumni Grants Program provides past participants networking opportunities, events, resources, and financial support for ongoing science projects.
The 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni Network gathers a growing community of mentors and former challenge finalists to interact, celebrate, and promote innovations. America's Top Young Scientists have given TED Talks, filed patents, founded nonprofits, made to the Forbes' 30 Under 30 list, rung the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, and shown their work at the White House Science Fair. These young innovators have been featured in Forbes, The New York Times Magazine, and Business Insider, as well as national television shows.
Each year, the Alumni Grants will award a total of $25,000 grant money to ten different alumni in three different areas:
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Continuation of 3M Young Scientist Challenge Project - This will support alumni who want to continue developing the project they initially developed 3M Young Scientist Challenge. Three alumni are eligible to receive $5,000 annually.
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New Idea to Improve the World - This area of funding would be available to assist projects that alumni might be working on, which are different from their initial 3M Young Scientist Challenge innovation. Two alumni can receive $2,500 annually.
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Science in Your Community - Funding can be used to assist alumni initiatives, community enrichment and community engagement projects. Five alumni receive $1,000 annually.
About Discovery Education
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Discovery Education is a global leader in ed-tech with a state-of-the-art platform to facilitate learning. Its standards-based digital content for grades K-12 redefines teaching and learning by providing award-winning multimedia content, digital textbooks, professional development, and the largest professional learning community of its type. The company serves over 4.5 million educators and 45 million students globally, with its resources available in more than 100 countries and territories.