Pembroke Pines Charter High School Crowned as Otis Made to Move Global Champions

Pembroke Pines Charter High School Wins Global Recognition

In an inspiring showcase of talent and innovation, students from Pembroke Pines Charter High School in Pembroke Pines, Florida have been crowned the first-ever global winners of the Otis Made to Move Communities™ Challenge. This unique competition engaged students from around the world, allowing them to design AI-driven solutions aimed at enhancing mobility for individuals with disabilities.

A Competitive Spirit

The challenge attracted participation from over 250 students representing 28 schools across 16 different countries and territories. The students utilized principles from Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to formulate ideas that champion inclusive mobility. Otis Worldwide Corporation, a leading manufacturer and service provider of elevators and escalators, hosted the challenge with the intent to foster and support innovative young minds.

Randi Tanguay, Otis's Chief Communications Officer, praised the Pembroke Pines group, stating, "Their project embodied the groundbreaking thinking that emerges when STEM skills intersect with AI to tackle real-world issues." This acknowledgment reflects the importance of integrating technological advancements with educational initiatives.

The Winning Idea

The winning team focused on developing a smartphone application that leverages Artificial Intelligence to assist visually impaired individuals. This app aims to provide users with a more intuitive and supportive environment, allowing them to navigate public spaces with greater ease and independence. The success of this project exemplifies how technology can be utilized to create practical solutions that have a significant impact in communities.

Mentorship and Guidance

Throughout the competition, students were supported by Otis volunteer mentors, who provided guidance and insight, enabling them to refine their concepts and presentations. As part of their recognition, the Pembroke Pines High School team placed first in Otis's Americas regional challenge before successfully competing against teams from three other regions worldwide to secure their global champion title.

Darlene Laffler, a science teacher at Pembroke Pines, expressed her pride in her students’ achievements, stating, "It has been inspiring to watch students learn how AI can be applied to make a positive difference in our community and the world." This accomplishment showcases the essential role that educators play in nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.

Rewarding Innovation

As part of their global champion status, the students received a total of $35,000 in grants to further support STEM programming at their school. Meanwhile, other regional winners were awarded $20,000 each, reiterating that all participating schools benefited from Otis’s commitment to fostering STEM education.

The Made to Move Communities Initiative

Launched in 2020, the Made to Move Communities program by Otis focuses on addressing urbanization challenges by fostering collaboration among students, educators, and industry professionals. Each year, the program emphasizes a specific theme aimed at aligning with global priorities, such as accessibility and sustainability, with this year specifically challenging students to incorporate AI into their solutions for mobility.

In total, since its inception, the program has engaged over 1,000 students globally, and has mobilized 950 Otis volunteer mentors, collectively distributing nearly $1 million in grants to enhance STEM education in participating schools. This extensive reach signifies a commitment from Otis to inspiring future generations and building a skilled workforce for an evolving job market.

Looking Forward

The students from Pembroke Pines have set a remarkable precedent as figures of innovation and problem-solving, fostering a brighter future through technological advancement. With their project, they exemplify what can be achieved when young minds are encouraged to think creatively and critically about real-world issues. Otis aims to continue supporting such initiatives that not only unlock students' potential but also actively engage them in contributing positive changes in their communities.

For more information on the Made to Move Communities program, visit Otis.