Global Issues Problem Solving (GIPS)

Practice Problem 1 – 11/4/2023
Practice Problem 2 – 12/23/2023
Qualifying Problem – 3/2/2024
Affiliate Bowl – 4/6/2024
Global Issues Problem Solving is a competitive component of FPSPI which can be accomplished as a team of 4 or individual activity. Participants research a series of global topics and learn a six-step creative problem solving process. Problem solvers apply their topic and creative problem solving knowledge to address a charge presented in an imagined situation, termed Future Scene. Trained evaluators score student work and return it with feedback including suggestions for improvement. The top scoring teams and individuals on the qualifying problem are invited to Affiliate FPS Competitions. The winners of each respective Affiliate FPS Competition advance to the FPSP International Conference in June.
Four divisions are offered: Junior (grades 4-6), Middle (grades 7-9), Senior (grades 10-12), and Adult.

Community Problem Solving (CmPS)

Paid Registration Due – 2/1/2023; Intent to Submit – 3/2/2024
Community Problem Solving students learn powerful lessons about creating change, about dealing with local authorities and organizations, and about making a positive impact. The top Community Problem Solving projects are invited to the FPSP International Conference in June. Future Problem Solving Program International (FPSPI) provides the tools and strategies students need to face the challenges of today and the future. What better way to prepare students for their future than by teaching them to think systematically about problematic situations, to gather information to understand the situation, and to evaluate multiple solutions in order to best address the situation?
Three divisions are offered: Junior (grades 4-6), Middle (grades 7-9), and Senior (grades 10-12).

Scenario Writing (SW)

Submissions due by: 3/2/2024
Scenario Writing is a competition in which individuals (grades 4 – 12) develop short stories related to one of five FPS topics for the year. The story (1500 words or less) is set at least 20 years in the future and is an imagined, but logical, outcome of actions or events taking place in the world today. The first place winner in each Affiliate Program is invited to the FPSP International Conference.
Three divisions are offered: Junior (grades 4-6), Middle (grades 7-9), and Senior (grades 10-12).