Samsung Electronics Australia, in partnership with Student Edge, has released insights from its Gen Z survey, “Voices of Tomorrow: overcoming roadblocks to youth action today” to coincide with its Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition for young Australian innovators.
The survey uncovers the ways Australians aged 14 to 24 years are taking action on the issues that matter most to them, while also revealing common roadblocks when it comes to turning ideas into actions.
While often seen as a vocal generation, young Australians feel significantly disempowered in their ability to create meaningful change with (83%) agreeing that STEM skills are essential in helping enact positive change, yet three-quarters (75%) felt largely unequipped to take advantage of these skills.
Despite wanting to stand up for what they believe in, nearly half (44%) of Gen Z do not feel like it would make a difference, and 39% don’t know how best to take a stand on the social issues they care about. Highlighting a possible way forward for the unsure generation, more than half (53%) of Gen Z think using STEM to create technology or solutions that address the issues they care about is the most effective way to bring about change.
Nearly four million Gen Z Australians could be the next generation of STEM innovators with 83% of those surveyed agreeing that understanding and using technology is key to making positive changes in the world. Despite over half strongly agreeing that STEM enables the opportunities to turn ideas into reality, only one in four (25%) are confident they have the STEM skills to do so. Almost half (49%) say the biggest hurdle is the lack of resources, support network, and monetary support.
Samsung Electronics Australia director of corporate marketing, Brett Turnbull said, “Solve for Tomorrow is a great starting point for any young innovator wanting to get involved in STEM and understand how it can empower their community and future career opportunities at the same time.
“As a global technology leader, Samsung understands the vital importance of STEM education in shaping the innovators of tomorrow. We are dedicated to empowering Australia’s next generation of problem solvers by nurturing their skills and offering opportunities for students to engage with both inside and beyond the classroom. Through initiatives like Solve for Tomorrow, we aim to inspire young minds and equip them with the tools they need to make a real difference in the world.”
Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2024 spokesperson, STEM advocate and astrophysicist, Dr Kirsten Banks said, “There’s a drive in this generation to enact change but there’s a disconnect between the tools, skills and resources they need to be able to speak out on and action the issues that matter to them most.”
“The opportunity is well and truly there for our innovative young thinkers to create meaningful change with STEM when given the opportunities and support. This is why I’m thrilled to be involved in this year’s Samsung Solve for Tomorrow program, supporting young innovators to use STEM to turn their ideas and dreams into creating real, positive change in their communities.”
Free to participate for Australians aged 14 to 24, Solve for Tomorrow is designed to empower the next generation of innovators by solving a problem facing their community under one of three categories: Sustainability, Education and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. The major winner will take home $10,000 cash as well as a suite of Samsung products.
Educators also stand to win in Solve for Tomorrow, as entries that nominate their high school will be considered for the School Prize, a Flip Pro Interactive Display to help promote collaboration and engagement in the classroom.
Recognising Gen Z’s passion for using social media for good, one participant will also receive a Samsung Productivity Pack as the Social Amplify Prize for best raising awareness for their cause on social media. To be considered, participants need to tag @SamsungAU and use the hashtag #SFT_AU_2024 across their social posts highlighting their cause.