It was one of the most difficult decision of all time, and after a day-long competition on April 13 at the Skirball Cultural Center, three teams received an all-expenses-paid scholarship to participate in the 2013 Aspen Ideas Festival.  They will spend three powerful days cultivating your solutions in an environment overflowing with new ideas from some of the most brilliant minds of our time.

Westchester Enriched Science Magnet High School selected Kristin Groos Richmond’s challenge to bring peers together to create a healthier community in regards to food. The team, named Comet Radiation, designed an Aquaponics system and has plans to implement a farmer’s market to create a healthy community and produce green resources right on Westchetter soil. 

Students from Taft High School—named the Transcendentalists—designed a solution to address Dean Kamen’s challenge to increase awareness about and enthusiasm for science and technology. The team did this through their campaign, Spreading Sprouts—creating gardens, designing and teaching an art, science and math curriculum for elementary school students around their community. They plan to help the schools maintain their gardens through summer programs.

The team from Downtown Magnets designed a solution to address David Gallos’ challenge to start a social movement to protect the oceans. The team, O.C.E.A.N Los Angeles organized beach cleanups, presented at community events, schools, formed partnerships with businesses, designed posters and videos, and amplified their work through social media.