NYFPS | New York Future Problem Solving Program, Inc.

Community Problem Solving

Community Problem Solving (CmPS) is a project-based competitive component in which students identify real problems and implement real solutions in a community. It is the real world application of the FPS process. Teams or individuals use the skills of the problem solving process and the six-step framework as they work on their projects. A formal presentation and implementation of an action plan are included in this component. Participants move from hypothetical issues to real world, authentic concerns.

New York School Community Service | Future Problem Solving

JUNIOR DIVISION

(Grades 4 - 6)

MIDDLE DIVISION

(Grades 7 - 9)

SENIOR DIVISION

(Grades 10 - 12)

Team CmPS

Individual CmPS

Gr 4 Gr 7 Gr 10 Gr 12

Why Participate In CmPS?

CmPS is ideal for developing strategic thinking, leadership skills, and encouraging a wider contribution to community service. CmPS participants make a difference in their communities and learn about the importance of civil engagement. Learn more about how students drive engagement through this component here.

Students competing CmPS have implemented a wide range of action plans. These have included efforts such as cleaning up waste, promoting literacy, and finding homes for unwanted pets.

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Project & Competition Stages

CmPS projects can be single or multi-year projects. The participants submit their report and all required materials for the year in which they aim to compete. Submissions will be evaluated for the State Conference and winners in each division will advance to compete against projects at the International Conference.

Competitive Submission

Project Execution Process

Project Idea Generation

Executing The Project

Documenting And Reporting Project

State Conference

International Conference

New York School Community Service | New York Academic Competition | Future Problem Solving

Team CmPS

Under the guidance of an advisor or advisors, teams of up to 15 participants in Grades 4-12 (competing within the Junior, Middle, or Senior Divisions) use the FPS six-step model to address problems in the community. The projects can be single year or multi-year.

Teams complete a Written Report (following the six-steps framework), Addendum/Mini-Scrapbook of supporting documentation, Presentation media (a tri-fold board showcase), and other material related to the project.

Case Study: Project Kind Kids

A team of 12 students from a Long Island school worked together to address the real world issue of "unkindness". The team trained and implemented a Peer Mediation Program to take place during lunch periods at their school. They wrote a script for a film to teach the school about their program and how it can help resolve conflicts. Additionally, they debuted a rap music video to promote kindness during a “Kindness” school assembly. The assembly also featured a guest speaker from Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation, who discussed the impact of kindness on their lives. The team was featured on New York regional news.

The CmPS team was the New York Junior Division state champions for 2018-19 and went on to win second place at the International Conference.

Watch Spotlight On The News Here >

Team CmPS

Individual CmPS

Under the guidance of an advisor or advisors, a student, in Grades 4-12 (competing within the Junior, Middle, or Senior Divisions), may decide to compete individually rather than as a member of a team. Individual CmPS submissions only compete against other individual submissions and is evaluated separately from Team CmPS. The student applies the FPS six-step model to address issues in the community. The projects can be single year or multi-year.

Participants complete a Written Report (following the six-steps framework), Addendum/Mini-Scrapbook of supporting documentation, Presentation media (a tri-fold board showcase), and other material related to the project.