Saginaw Arts & Sciences Academy (SASA) students will take center stage later this month as they compete alongside other regional schools in the 13th annual A.H. Nickless Innovation Award competition at Saginaw Valley State University.
The competition, scheduled for April 25, brings together student teams from across Bay, Midland, and Saginaw counties to present original solutions to real-world problems. In total, 20 teams from five high schools will compete for a share of up to $77,500 in scholarships and STEM education grants.
Among those schools, SASA stands out with 13 teams advancing to the final round—more than any other participating school—highlighting the depth of innovation and research taking place within the district.
SASA Projects Focus on Real-World Impact
A detector and mobile app designed to prevent carbon monoxide and air quality-related poisonings
Environmentally friendly approaches to 3D printing using recycled and biodegradable materials
Assistive tools to help individuals with dexterity disabilities complete daily tasks
A system to detect black ice and alert drivers in real time
A 3D-printed medical spacer designed to improve inhaler use and reduce infection risks
Biodegradable alternatives to single-use medical equipment
A washing machine filtration system aimed at reducing microplastics in waterways
Robotics-enabled animal tracking devices
A device that detects strokes and alerts contacts while guiding bystanders
Resources to support breast cancer patients
Safety-engineered syringes designed to prevent the spread of bloodborne pathogens
Each project reflects months of research, testing, and development, as students worked to create solutions that could make a meaningful difference.
A Regional Stage for Innovation
The A.H. Nickless Innovation Award competition challenges students to think critically and collaboratively while tackling complex issues in science, technology, engineering, and math. Teams began the process in the fall by identifying problems and proposing solutions, then received funding to develop their ideas before advancing to the final presentation round.
Students will present their projects before a panel of judges at SVSU, with winners earning scholarships and grants for their schools.
Continuing a Tradition of Excellence
SASA’s strong representation in this year’s competition reflects the school’s continued commitment to academic rigor, research, and innovation. By engaging in real-world problem-solving, students gain valuable experience that prepares them for college and future careers in STEM fields.
The competition will take place from 8:30 a.m. to approximately 4 p.m. on April 25 in Alan W. Ott Auditorium in SVSU’s Gilbertson Hall. The event is free and open to the public, offering the community an opportunity to see the creativity and talent of students from across the region firsthand.