Scholarships 2026 - STEAM
Odyssey of the Mind participants employ aspects of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) in the design of solutions to Odyssey’s unique problems.
This year's challenge was to show how they used aspects of STEAM to solve Odyssey problems via unique dramatic performances or solution elements (e.g. building props, costumes, scenery or devices).
In their videos, applicants explained how the combination of engineering and artistic design principles were vital components of their solutions.
Recipients of the 2026 scholarships each received $1,000 to help with their post secondary education. Here are their Odyssey stories and their winning videos.
Noah French
I am from Geneseo and plan to major in engineering at RIT. I have participated in Odyssey since kindergarten, concentrating on the vehicle problem. I have learned how to: solder, weld, use power tools, use too much duct tape, replace that duct tape with way too much hot glue, plan projects, troubleshoot issues, write scripts, create complex wiring, engineer vehicles and props, and to think on my feet when something goes wrong during the long term performances. My teams have always gone to World Finals since 2019. We have received Ranatra Fusca awards at regionals in 2022 and 2026. At the 2018 State Finals my team received an OMER award after a wheel fell off our vehicle in the middle of the performance, but we continued for the full eight minutes. My team has been recognized for 6th place during the 2021 World Finals; we placed 2nd at Worlds in 2023 and 1st at Worlds in 2025. I have made many friendships, and I have created a larger pin collection than I know what to do with. But what I’m most proud of is, if my math is correct, I have gotten 23 stickers from Spontaneous.
Carly Seligman
I am from Goshen, NY (Region 5) and competed in Odyssey of the Mind for seven years, beginning in fifth grade, and I now coach a middle school team. Growing up, I battled Selective Mutism, a social anxiety disorder that caused me to freeze up in social situations. In my first few years of competing, I composed music and used my flute as my voice during our performances. Creative problem-solving with my team pushed me to communicate with others, helping me gradually step out of my shell. In my final year of competing, I played Alice and sang and danced on stage. Odyssey didn’t just teach me how to think outside of the box- it helped me step out of my own. Odyssey revealed my hidden talents. I was skilled at mosaicking with intricate materials and enjoyed working on the cost and style. I have a love for Problem 3. My team and I placed first at World Finals four times and second once. I developed valuable skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking, which will help me as I pursue college through a Nurse Scholars Program at DeSales University.
Inaaya Sethi
I've participated in Odyssey of the Mind since Kindergarten. Through the years, I've competed in all divisions and problems 2 to 5. Through Odyssey, I've dived to the deepest parts of the ocean, climbed to the top of Mount Everest, explored Buckingham Palace, shattered the glass ceiling in our "moosical", and gotten lost in the Twilight Zone.
Qualifying for World Finals four times, my favorite memories include pin trading, getting sprayed with silly string after Spontaneous, and, of course, going on stage to share a very large trophy with my team. I'm also an Odyssey Emerging Alumni and volunteer judge for Primary at the Region 12 tournament. Through Odyssey of the Mind, I've gained more than practical skills and indelible memories. I've forged lifelong friendships and developed a love of tinkering. I've also spent quality time with my family, with my siblings as teammates and my mother as coach. With my Odyssey experience, I see limitless creative possibilities in the world, and I look forward to bringing my ideas to life.
Ruth Christensen
I am from Fairport NY. I began Odyssey of the Mind in First Grade competing up in Division one with my older brother. When my brother graduated to Middle school I split off from his team with the one other kid my age from my team and we began our own team. That team has carried with me all the way through high school where I am now a Senior competing in my twelfth year of Odyssey of the Mind. I’ve competed 12 times at Regionals, 10 times at States, and 6 times at Worlds winning one Ranatra Fusca award at Regionals. I plan on attending BYU Provo and majoring in Construction Management. The best things I have gained from participating in Odyssey are my team working skills, relationships, building knowledge, confidence, life skills, passion, work ethic, and a direction for my future. Odyssey is the reason I came out of my shell and started talking to people. It is the reason I joined my school's robotics team and drama club, and it's the reason I want to major in Construction Management. Everything I do has been inspired by something I’ve learned how to do in Odyssey.
Sophia Amato
My name is Sophia Amato and I am a senior from Warwick Valley High School in Warwick, New York. I have been participating in Odyssey of the Mind for ten years. When I was seven years old my sister joined a program called “Odyssey” that I had never heard of before. The following year I built up enough courage to try out and immediately fell in love with what would become the driving factor of my passion for designing and creating. Odyssey allowed me to view things from a different angle. I realized that this small change in my perspective could alter my entire viewpoint, and with a broader perspective on solving problems, I could understand people, problems, and challenges on a deeper level. Throughout the years, I have had the opportunity to participate in Problems one, two, three, and five. My team has supported me endlessly and have become less like a team to me, but more like a family. Odyssey of the Mind has inspired me to intertwine creativity, designing, and building into my future career. I plan on studying Mechanical Engineering in college and will continue to use all I have learned from Odyssey of the Mind.