Future Problem Solving (FPS)

Grades

Typically middle school through high school (exact grade levels not fully accessible)

Age

Not specified in available sources

Citizenship

International competition - appears to accept participants globally

Prerequisites

Typically requires team participation; may require school enrollment or coach sponsorship

Steps

1. Register team with school/organization
2. Coach/adviser registration required
3. Submit problem-solving responses according to competition format
4. Participate in regional/state competitions
5. Qualify for state finals
6. Advance to World Finals if selected

Materials Needed

• Team roster (typically 4-6 students)
• Adviser/coach information
• Problem-solving documentation
• Written solutions and presentations
• Possibly video submissions or presentations

Timeline

Competition cycle likely runs September-May; specific 2025-2026 deadlines require checking official FPSPI website

Cost

Registration fees likely apply; exact costs not confirmed in research

What Judges Look For

• Quality and creativity of problem-solving approach
• Practicality and feasibility of proposed solutions
• Understanding of the topic (Forestry for 2026)
• Research depth and evidence-based reasoning
• Team collaboration and presentation skills
• Innovation and original thinking
• Real-world applicability of solutions

Scoring

Specific rubric not accessible; typically based on problem-solving methodology, feasibility analysis, presentation quality, and innovation

Common Mistakes

• Failing to address the full scope of the problem
• Proposing unrealistic or impractical solutions
• Insufficient research and data support
• Poor team coordination and communication
• Generic or uncreative approaches
• Ignoring stakeholder perspectives
• Missing deadlines for submission

Acceptance Rate

Unknown - program maintains selective World Finals but exact rates not accessible

Applicants

Exact numbers unavailable; international program with teams from multiple countries

Winners / Selected

Varies by competition level; World Finals typically host limited teams per country/region

• Start research on Forestry topic early (fall for 2026 competition)
• Assemble a diverse team with complementary skills (research, writing, presentation, analysis)
• Study past FPS topics and winning solutions to understand format and expectations
• Develop a systematic problem-solving methodology (likely based on CPS or similar frameworks)
• Conduct thorough research using primary and secondary sources
• Focus on real-world feasibility and implementation costs
• Practice presentations and delivery multiple times
• Get coaching/adviser feedback throughout development process
• Address stakeholder concerns and environmental/social impacts
• Create detailed written documentation alongside presentations
• Start with local/regional competition; use feedback to improve for state/World Finals
• Document your problem-solving process, not just the solution

How to Prepare

• Join or form a FPS team through your school
• Find an experienced coach/adviser familiar with the program
• Research the 2026 Forestry topic thoroughly (ecology, forestry management, climate, economics)
• Study problem-solving methodologies like Creative Problem Solving (CPS)
• Practice past competition scenarios if available
• Develop presentation and writing skills
• Learn about stakeholder analysis and systems thinking
• Participate in practice rounds and team brainstorming sessions
• Attend FPS training workshops if available
• Review judging criteria and scoring rubrics

Resources

• Official FPSPI website: fpspi.org
• Past FPS competition problems and solutions
• Creative Problem Solving Institute (CPS) resources
• Forestry research journals and publications
• Environmental policy databases
• YouTube tutorials on problem-solving methodologies
• Team coaching guides and participant handbooks
• Academic databases (JSTOR, Google Scholar) for research

Time Needed

4-6 months of active preparation recommended; competition cycle typically runs September-April/May

Successful FPS competitors typically demonstrate: strong research capabilities, understanding of systems thinking, practical engineering/scientific knowledge, excellent presentation skills, ability to work collaboratively in teams, creativity balanced with feasibility analysis, and deep engagement with the competition topic. Winners often have participants interested in environmental science, engineering, policy, or sustainability fields.

FPS participation demonstrates strong problem-solving skills, research capabilities, teamwork, and commitment to real-world problem-solving—all valued by college admissions. World Finals qualification is particularly impressive and shows elite-level academic achievement. Strong indicator of readiness for STEM fields, policy studies, environmental science, or engineering programs. Less universally recognized than some competitions (e.g., Science Olympiad, FIRST) but highly respected among admissions officers who value systems thinking and collaborative problem-solving. Best positioned for students applying to competitive schools with strong problem-solving/innovation emphasis.

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