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Press Release • • 4 minute read

5 Local High School Teams Recognized at WWT's 9th Annual STEM Student Forum

Pattonville High School in St. Louis County receives top prize of $10,000 grant for its project that helps students identify the most suitable classes for their needs and abilities.

ST. LOUIS (March 27, 2024) – World Wide Technology (WWT), a leading $20 billion technology solutions provider, recognized 44 students from five local high schools at its ninth annual STEM Student Forum Finals on March 9. 

This year, participating students were challenged to create a technical solution that leveraged AI responsibly and ethically while addressing a problem at their schools or improving the academic experiences of students and staff. 

The 2024 program included 18 local high schools with 161 participating students. More than 55 volunteers, including 38 WWT employees, helped facilitate the event and mentor local students. Projects this year ranged from an AI math tutor that walks students through homework in a language of their choice to restructuring both the lunch program and the cafeteria space to better serve students.

Pattonville High School received the $10,000 first-place prize for its project titled "Anchor," which uses AI to evaluate previous academic records, class difficulty and future plans for each student to help place them in appropriate classes for the year. Once a student completes the initial survey and uploads their transcripts, the AI tool suggests classes for them in the coming school year. 

"Having the privilege to mentor Pattonville High School students, I found the experience to be effortless, thanks to the harmony between Pattonville teachers and administration in embracing the core values of WWT in their educational methods," said WWT Mentor Arif Rahman. "Witnessing the students' commitment, innovative thinking and swift execution of ideas into a tangible product within weeks left a profound impression on me. Their dedication and diligence undoubtedly contributed to their remarkable achievements."

Bayless High School was recognized for second place, with Jennings Senior High & College Prep Academy in third, Parkway Spark! in fourth and Troy Buchanan High School in fifth. 

"I love that the competition gives all students the chance to experience real-life problems. It provides them with valuable insights into the workings of an actual business environment," said Stephanie Carson, Team Ambassador at Pattonville High School. "Our students are exhilarated to see their AI projects come to life and have grown tremendously through the experience of working alongside their peers, with expert guidance from WWT professionals. Congratulations to each student and school for participating in this impactful experience." 

WWT would like to congratulate and thank all the schools that participated in the 2024 STEM Student Forum including: 

  • Althoff Catholic High School
  • Bayless High School (2nd Place) 
  • Christian Brothers College High School
  • Clyde C. Miller Career Academy 
  • Cor Jesu Academy
  • Francis Howell High School
  • Hancock High School
  • Jennings Senior High & College Prep Academy (3rd Place)
  • John Burroughs School
  • McKinley Classical Leadership Academy
  • Nerinx Hall High School
  • Parkway Spark! (4th Place)
  • Pattonville High School (Winner)
  • Rockwood Summit High School
  • Rosati-Kain Academy
  • Sumner High School
  • The Fulton School
  • Troy Buchanan High School (5th Place)

WWT is committed to developing the next generation of STEM leaders through investing in STEM-focused education, internships and work-based learning opportunities. Through WWT's efforts and investments, such as this one, the organization strives to help grow tomorrow's future leaders.

 

About World Wide Technology
Founded in 1990, World Wide Technology (WWT), a global technology solutions provider with $20 billion in annual revenue, combines the power of strategy, execution and partnership to accelerate digital transformational outcomes for large public and private organizations around the world. Through its Advanced Technology Center, a collaborative ecosystem of the world's most advanced hardware and software solutions, WWT helps customers and partners conceptualize, test and validate innovative technology solutions for the best business outcomes and then deploys them at scale through its global warehousing, distribution and integration capabilities.

With more than 10,000 employees and more than 55 locations around the world, WWT's culture, built on a set of core values and established leadership philosophies, has been recognized 12 years in a row by Fortune and Great Place to Work® for its unique blend of determination, innovation and leadership focus on diversity and inclusion. With this culture at its foundation, WWT bridges the gap between business and technology to make a new world happen for its customers, partners and communities.