World Wide Technology (WWT) recently celebrated the next generation of STEM leaders at its 11th annual STEM Student Forum.
The initiative is designed to equip students with the skills and insights needed to drive future innovation.
Held at WWT’s global headquarters in St. Louis, the forum brought together 175 students from 19 high schools across the metropolitan area as well as a representative high school from New York, the Collegiate School of Medical and Bioscience, Eagle Academy for Young Men III – South Queens.
Over six weeks, teams worked directly with WWT mentors to develop innovative solutions using technology to enhance efficiency in supply chain operations. These solutions were designed to support the unique needs of their schools, local organizations, and the broader community.
“This competition gives students the space to innovate with purpose, which inspires them to think beyond the expected and design solutions that improve the world around them,” said Amanda Ivy, WWT manager, culture, and community.
“World Wide Technology remains committed to supporting the next generation of STEM leaders through education, internships and hands-on experiences such as the STEM Student Forum.”
Christian Brothers College High School (CBC) received the $10,000 first-place prize for its project, SCAR (Supply Chain Automation Robot). The student team designed and built a functioning prototype capable of labeling cables during the pre-cabling process, helping reduce human error and inconsistencies while improving efficiency in supply chain preparation.
Jennings Senior High School earned a $5,000 grant for their second-place project, while Parkway North High School received a $2,500 grant for third place. Also honored were Clyde C. Miller Career Academy – 4th place; and The Whitfield School – 5th place
WWT congratulates all the schools participating in the 2026 STEM Student Forum, including:
Althoff Catholic High School, Bayless High School, Collegiate School of Medical and Bioscience, Eagle Academy for Young Men III – South Queens, NY, Fort Zumwalt West High School, Incarnate Word Academy, John Burroughs School, Kirkwood High School, Lindbergh High School, Nerinx Hall High School, Parkway SPARK!, Pattonville High School South Tech High School, St. John Vianney High School and Visitation Academy
For more information about WWT’s Global Community Impact programs, including the STEM Student Forum, visit www.wwt.com/corporate/global-community-impact/overview.
WWT assist Costa Rican women in STEM
Last summer, WWT partnered with Ideas in Action to launch Red MenTe:Impulso a la Empleabilidad, a professional development initiative designed to equip women throughout Costa Rica with the skills and tools necessary to excel in high-demand STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields.
The program benefited 30 participants from Red MenTe, Ideas en Acción’s National Network of Women in Technology.
After 16 weeks of continuous access to the courses available at WWT’s Advanced Technology Center (ATC), participants strengthened their skills in three main areas: cybersecurity, networking and infrastructure, and data and artificial intelligence.
“We are pleased to see the positive response from students upon obtaining their full certification,” said Elkin Suárez Durall, WWT Costa Rica general manager.
“WWT is committed to expanding access to education and employment in the technology sector. In addition, we supported the program with a session on preparing for future interviews. The students received tools to improve their resumes, optimize their LinkedIn profiles, and conducted mock interviews guided by our Talent Acquisition team.”
Sara Ballestero, a participating student said, “From the moment I explored WWT’s platform (ATC), I knew it wasn’t just another learning experience.”
“It’s not just about completing courses, but about immersing yourself in a space that challenges your mind, awakens your curiosity, and elevates the way you approach professional challenges.”