On Thursday, May 28, Success Through Technology Education (STTE) Foundation wrapped up the school year with a virtual awards ceremony that rewarded students for their hard work completing in two of the most difficult real-world competitions sponsored by Prudential, El Paso Electric, and Workforce Solutions Borderplex.

A passionate group of young math students attempted to solve the national digital divide issue in the 5th Annual Prudential Math Challenge.

“At STTE, we strive to design and deploy real-world competitions that help students problem-solve unimaginable circumstances. This year especially, students rose to the occasion and provided some really innovative solutions to these unprecedented challenges,” Joseph Sapien, STTE Executive Director.

Students analyzed the impact Starlink will have on the world by providing internet access to everyone, globally. Beginning with seventeen teams, the competition concluded with the top three solutions.

First Place – Franklin High School, EPISD with $3,000 for the team

Second Place – Coronado High School, EPISD with $1,000 for the team

Third Place – El Paso High School, EPISD with tech prizes for the team

Finalist solutions presentations can be viewed by clicking here.

Similarly, another group of young student creators designed renewable energy virtual environments to help defeat climate change in the first-ever El Paso Electric Sun City Challenge.

Competition categories included a solar star mountain and education tourist center, historical landmark, and smart neighborhoods all with renewable energy solutions.

Lastly, teams had export scene into the Oculus, 3D print, and track progress with an engineering portfolio.

El Paso Solar Star Mountain and Tourist Center Category-

First Place – Santa Teresa with $2,500 for the team

Second Place – Socorro with $500 for the team

Third Place – Fabens High in prizes for the team

Historic Landmark or Building Category- 

First Place – Socorro High School with $2,500 for the team

Second Place – Northwest Early College with $500 for the team

Third Place – Bowie High in prizes for the team

Smart Neighborhood Category –

First Place -Burges with $2,500 for the team

Second Place – Santa Teresa with $500 for the team

Third Place – Socorro High in prizes for the team

“Our commitment to the community we serve extends far beyond providing a reliable and sustainable source of electricity to each of our customers, it is about partnering with our community and asking, where can we help?” shares Adrian J. Rodriguez, interim CEO of EPE.

“We realized there was a need for support for our local robotics teams, and with the help of the STTE Foundation, we were able to create a fund that will assist students and educators directly in a field that is evolving quickly. It is important that we assist our education partners with the ability to develop and retain talent like our youth in our region.”

Finalist solutions presentations can be viewed by clicking here