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By David Harding

In a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and faith, students from Christian schools across the globe gathered at Grand Canyon University (GCU) for the �ͽ�Ů�� International Christian STEM Competition.

The GCU campus buzzed with energy as more than 200 advisors and spectators cheered on 240 students from 25 Christian schools, all of whom traveled to Phoenix to take part in the competition. Nine states were represented and two other countries— one school from Nigeria and one from the Dominican Republic.

Student teams competed in five STEM challenges: the Innovation in Service: Assistive Technology Challenge; the Onsite Design Challenge; the Ethical Artificial Intelligence Game; the Aerospace Design challenge; and the Robot Search and Rescue challenge.

Emily Pigott, �ͽ�Ů��’s Director of Student Leadership and Learning, and Tammie Mihet, �ͽ�Ů��’s Student Leadership and Learning Coordinator, felt that they had a unique opportunity to see the exceptional potential of Christian school students from around the world in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). “The combination of academic rigor and faith-based values allowed the creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking skills of our �ͽ�Ů�� students to shine through,” Mihet said. “It was a privilege to witness their collaborative problem-solving and to come together to glorify the Lord as we celebrated our students’ God-given talents and skills.”

Stacy Wright, a STEM Teacher at Creekside Christian Academy, summed up the experience in this way: “The �ͽ�Ů�� International STEM Competition is a great way to use all of the skills we learn in class. The challenges are fun, inspiring, and engaging with a biblical perspective woven into every aspect of the event. This competition is one of the highlights of our school year." 

A sophomore at Flagstaff Christian School, Jonathan Korn, shared his experience competing in the Quest 300 Robot challenge. “I have learned the potential for AI and how to use infinite possibilities with programming,” he shared.

Other students from Covenant Christian School shared their takeaways, including the importance of “thinking outside the box,” “recording all steps, taking time, and thinking of new ways to fix problems,” and the encouragement of “letting nothing stop you.”

“Witnessing students from around the world participate in the International Christian STEM Competition was truly awe-inspiring!” said Emily Pigott, �ͽ�Ů�� Director of Student Leadership and Learning. “The competition enables students to develop critical thinking skills, delve into problem-solving scenarios, and collaborate effectively as a team to address intricate challenges and craft innovative solutions. We are so hopeful for the future as we watch our students continue to develop their God-given gifts to serve people and solve problems with ingenuity.”