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Press Release • • 4 minute read

Five High Schools Recognized at WWT's 10th Annual STEM Student Forum

Pattonville High School wins $10,000 grant for innovative AI-driven project.

ST. LOUIS. (March 25, 2025) — World Wide Technology (WWT), a leading $20 billion technology solutions provider, celebrated the next generation of STEM innovators at its 10th annual STEM Student Forum on March 8. 

The event, held at WWT's global headquarters in St. Louis, brought together 200 students from 20 high schools across the metropolitan area, challenging them to develop real-world solutions that leverage AI to support cybersecurity and promote digital literacy in the community. Over 60 employee volunteers provided mentorship and guidance throughout the program and served as speakers and judges. 

Pattonville High School received the $10,000 first place prize for its project "Ducky," an AI powered browser extension with three main functions: 1) to detect phishing emails, 2) fact-check social media posts and articles and 3) serve as an AI chatbot to help students improve their cybersecurity literacy.

"WWT and its volunteers created an invaluable experience for students to see their AI concepts come to life," said Stephanie Carson, Computer Science Teacher, Pattonville School District. "Through this experience, our students gained hands-on problem-solving skills and mentorship that will shape their futures in STEM. Thank you, WWT, for hosting this event!" 

Christian Brothers College (CBC) placed second for its "CBUB Cyber Insight", a solution that combines AI and social media to educate students on cyber security and Fort Zumwalt West High School came in third for its "Cyber Buddy", an AI chatbot that makes cyber security education interactive, engaging and accessible. 

WWT congratulates and thanks all the schools participating in the 2025 STEM Student Forum, including: 

  • Pattonville High School - 1st place
  • Christian Brothers College (CBC) - 2nd place
  • Fort Zumwalt West High - 3rd place
  • Kirkwood High School - 4th place
  • Bayless High School - 5th place
  • Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience
  • Confluence Preparatory Academy
  • Incarnate Word Academy
  • Jennings Senior High School
  • John Burroughs School
  • Lift For Life Academy
  • Madison Senior High School
  • Parkway South High School
  • Parkway Spark!
  • South Technical High School
  • Troy Buchanan High School
  • The Fulton School
  • University City High School
  • Visitation Academy
  • Whitfield School
     

"Each year, the STEM Student Forum showcases the incredible talent and creativity of these students, reinforcing the importance of STEM education and its real-world applications," said mentor Arif Rahman, Senior Systems Engineer, WWT. "I am continuously inspired by their ability to harness AI to solve complex challenges and grateful to serve as mentor to local students."

As part of its commitment to developing the next generation of STEM leaders, WWT continues to invest in STEM-focused education, internships and learning opportunities. Programs like the STEM Student Forum play a critical role in empowering students with the skills and experiences needed to drive innovation in the future. 

 

About World Wide Technology
Founded in 1990, World Wide Technology (WWT) is a global technology solutions provider leading the AI and Digital Revolution. With more than $20 billion in annual revenue, WWT combines the power of strategy, execution and partnership to accelerate digital transformational outcomes for organizations around the globe. Through its Advanced Technology Center, a collaborative ecosystem of the world's most advanced hardware and software solutions, WWT helps clients and partners conceptualize, test and validate innovative technology solutions for the best business outcomes and then deploys them at scale through its global warehousing, distribution and integration capabilities. 

With over 12,000 employees across WWT and Softchoice and more than 60 locations around the world, WWT's culture, built on a set of core values and established leadership philosophies, has been recognized 13 years in a row by Fortune and Great Place to Work® for its unique blend of determination, innovation and creating a great place to work for all.

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