SMASH x Morehouse College Speaker Series Kicks Off With Atlanta Innovation Challenge

Hosted as part of SMASH Academy, the session gave high school scholars the chance to build, code, present, and learn directly from professionals working across STEM, education, innovation, and consulting. The goal was simple but powerful: give scholars access to real tools, real-world challenges, and the kind of professional feedback that helps them see what is possible.

The challenge was framed around the Atlanta City Council and focused on issues scholars could recognize in their own city. Teams explored solutions connected to flood mitigation, MARTA last-mile transportation, rider safety, accessibility, and community infrastructure. Using Micro:bit, scholars designed early prototypes that brought engineering, coding, research, and communication together in one fast-paced project-based learning experience.

For many scholars, the event was a chance to move from learning STEM concepts to applying them in real time. They were not just talking about innovation. They were testing ideas, building with physical materials, programming sensors, troubleshooting designs, and preparing to explain their thinking to an audience.

That kind of learning is central to the SMASH experience. SMASH Academy is built to help students deepen their STEM skills, build confidence, and explore pathways into college and careers. At Morehouse, that mission came to life as scholars worked alongside professionals who could offer technical guidance, career perspective, and encouragement.

Throughout the challenge, scholar teams developed a wide range of concepts grounded in Atlanta’s needs. Some focused on flooding and water management, creating drainage systems, gate mechanisms, and flood alert prototypes. Others tackled transportation access and safety, designing ideas connected to MARTA stations, last-mile mobility, accessibility, rider protection, and community-based transit support.

One team developed a flood alert system with audible and visual signals designed to improve accessibility. Another explored a water pulley drainage system to help manage water flow during flooding. Scholars also used accelerometer inputs, sensor-based response features, and directional signals to show how coding and engineering can work together in practical ways.

The results showed creativity, teamwork, and technical growth across the room. Teams were recognized for strengths including Best Overall Prototype, Technical Excellence, Community Research, Team Collaboration, Creative Storytelling, Audience Engagement, and Best Pitch & Branding.

The feedback from judges reflected more than the final builds. It recognized the process scholars moved through: researching community problems, designing possible solutions, integrating technology, communicating their ideas, and responding to questions. Those are the same skills students will continue to use in college, internships, careers, and leadership roles.

The event also made space for professional connection. Several scholars expressed interest in learning more about the career journeys of the STEM Innovation consultants who supported the session. That curiosity matters. It shows that scholars were not only engaged in the challenge itself, but also thinking about the people behind the work and the pathways that could be available to them.

A special thank you to SMASH Morehouse Site Director Lyschel Shipp, the Micro Educational Foundation team, and the STEM Innovation consultants who helped make the session possible: Trina Reaves, Director of STEM and Innovation at Clayton County Public Schools and Founder and CEO of Innovative Academic Solutions, LLC; Lisa Batiste, Founder and Owner of Laurenkelly, LLC; and Jason Raines, Managing Partner of Rainlux Group, LLC.

Their support helped create the kind of room every student deserves: one where high school scholars can dig into STEM, ask questions, work alongside professionals in the field, and take pride in what they are building.

As the first event in the SMASH x Morehouse College Speaker Series, this session set a strong foundation for what is ahead. It showed what happens when students are given access, encouragement, and the opportunity to apply their ideas to real challenges.

SMASH scholars are not waiting for the future of STEM. They are already building toward it.

Now, we need your help to keep that future within reach.

To celebrate 25 years, the SMASH Board of Directors is offering to match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $350,000.  Your donation will be doubled.  Help keep SMASH Academy cost-free for scholars and support the hands-on STEM learning and career-connected experiences that make moments like this possible.

Donate today.