Future Problem Solving is a competition that aims to develop the ability of young people globally to design and achieve positive futures through problem solving using critical and creative thinking. North River Middle and High School has competed in two components of the Future Problem Solving competition for the past six years! This year, however, a team of high school students decided to compete in a third component of the competition called Community Problem Solving (CMPS). CMPS asks a team of students to explore local, regional, or global issues and then design and implement changes in their community.

Our high school team examined the local concern of homelessness in their community and created a “Lending a Hand Donation Drive” to collect and donate items to their local Union Gospel Mission Shelter to help provide supplies to people in need within Grays Harbor.

The students completed their project and then submitted a written report and reflection about their experience. That report, along with their proposals and evidence, was evaluated by a set of certified judges for Washington’s FPS State competition where it placed first! They have now been given the opportunity to take this report and compete at the International level in Boston, MA.

These students have worked hard to find ways to contribute to their local community and have reflected on how they can take the skills they’ve learned from this to help their community even further in the future! Competing in this international competition is an extremely meaningful experience that will enhance their lives and their skills in becoming greater global citizens that can make meaningful contributions to their local, regional, and global communities at large!

We are now asking you to please help these students reach this opportunity by donating to help fund the registration, room and board, and transportation for this trip!

For more information about Future Problem Solving and what amazing goals and skills these students are learning, you can visit the international site at www.fpspi.org or Washington’s affiliate site at www.wafps.org.

Thank you so much for taking the time to help contribute to these students’ experience!