The PennZone

PHILADELPHIA - PennZone -- Inner Strength Education (ISE) recently celebrated the successful completion of its STEM innovation internship in partnership with XPRIZE Connect, marking a significant milestone in this pilot where Inner Strength supported youth-driven creativity and educational excellence with mindfulness-based practices and systems thinking perspectives. On May 25th, seven exceptional students from Bodine, Carver, Central, and Freire High Schools presented their final pitches to the XPRIZE Connect team, technology experts, and business leaders. These students were offered a unique opportunity to refine their skills in stakeholder analysis and large-scale problem-solving, with a focus on identifying an area that would represent a breakthrough in Renewable Energy and Water Pollution Management.

"Inner Strength's program with XPRIZE Connect is more than just a program; it's a catalyst for the next generation of thinkers and problem-solvers. Watching these young participants tackle complex global challenges with such dedication and ingenuity reaffirms my belief in the power of youth-driven innovation," said Frantz E. Alphonse, a competition judge and Co-Founder & Sr. Managing Director of Project Black at Ariel Alternatives, LLC, and an Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School.

More on The PennZone

• The Millennium Alliance Achieves Great Place To Work® Certification™ Amid Continued Growth
• The Millennium Alliance Appoints Former Adweek Executive Eric Hayden Shakun as Chief Financial Officer to Accelerate Next Phase of Growth
• T. Jones Group Named Finalist Across Multiple Categories at the 2026 Georgie Awards
• Circa 1825-1835 Columbia / Eagle flask sells for a record $177,840 in Glass Works Auctions' online auction held May 4th
• The Simplest Small Business You're Probably Not Thinking About

By integrating mindfulness with creative problem-solving techniques, the students were better equipped to analyze stakeholder perspectives and develop effective solutions. This holistic approach underscores the importance of combining emotional intelligence with critical thinking skills in education. The graduates were recognized with completion certificates, signed by the CEO of XPRIZE, Anousheh Ansari, supporting their capability to contribute to positive change on entrenched issues.

About Inner Strength Education

Inner Strength Education is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Philadelphia, dedicated to equipping high school students with essential skills in mindfulness, emotional intelligence, social-emotional learning, and STEM. Our trauma-informed and youth-focused programs aim to foster resilience, compassion, and academic success among students. Since our inception, we have empowered over 26,000 students in the Greater Philadelphia area through partnerships with the School District of Philadelphia and various community-based organizations.

More on The PennZone

• San Francisco Writer Wins Webby Award, Internet's Highest Honor, for Website Based on her Novel
• EDC Weekend Comedy Special Featuring Don Barnhart & Friends — Use Promo Code FRIEND for 50% Off
• N Y S E: OTH Off The Hook YS Is Building a Vertically Integrated Marine Empire — And Investors Are Starting to Notice
• Concierge Title Agency Merges with Independence Title, Inc. to Deliver an Expanded Concierge Closing Experience Across South Florida
• Together We Dance Foundation Steps Up for Family in Need of Safe Transportation

About XPRIZE

XPRIZE is the recognized global leader in designing and executing large scale competitions to solve humanity's greatest challenges. For 30 years, our unique model has democratized crowd-sourced innovation and scientifically scalable solutions that accelerate a more equitable and abundant future. Donate, learn more, and co-architect a world of abundance with us at xprize.org.

For all inquiries, please contact Alyson Showell LaPorta, Communications & Grant Proposals Manager at alyson@innerstrengtheducation.org or  215.278.9162. To learn more visit: www.innerstrengtheducation.org