U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will meet students participating in the ninth annual Imagine Cup 2011 Worldwide Finals competition on Wednesday, July 13, at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City. This year’s theme is “Imagine a World Where Technology Helps Solve the Toughest Problems.” Projects showcased—from software and video games to mobile apps and videos—are aimed at solving some of the world’s toughest challenges, including improving education, healthcare and environmental issues.
The event, sponsored by Microsoft, showcases the creativity, ingenuity and knowledge of the best and brightest students from around the world who are competing in teams for cash and prizes totaling $215,000. Teams advance through various rounds of the competition. The finalists are invited to the Imagine Cup Finals in New York City. This year, 124 teams from around the globe are participating in the competition, which began on Friday, July 8, and runs through tomorrow, July 13.