Wayne State University Provost Keith Whitfield has initiated a STEAM Challenge encouraging undergraduate and graduate students to explore new ways that science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics - along with the humanities and social sciences - could contribute to one another for the purpose of enhancing the lives of residents in southeast Michigan and, more specifically, Detroit.

An orientation for interested students will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 15 in the WSU Student Center ballrooms.

This year's STEAM Challenge is focused on social justice, equity and opportunity, with sub-themes of sustainability, safe water, urban health, mobility, student success, diversity and inclusion.

First prize is $10,000, second prize is $3,000, and third prize is $2,500. Funds are to be used to realize project implementation. All participating teams will receive publicity and networking opportunities.

Teams should consist of three to seven undergraduate and/or graduate students. Each team must include representatives from at least three different disciplines (e.g., medicine, public health, business, communication, arts, engineering) to create a proposal that helps solve a problem in Detroit.

The deadline to register a team is Sept. 30.

For more information and sample project ideas, visit the STEAM Challenge website.

This article first appeared at ilitchbusiness.wayne.edu