Future Problem Solving

The Future Problem Solving Program was founded in 1974 by E. Paul Torrance, a pioneer of creativity research. His goal was to create a program that encouraged students to think creatively about real and imagined problems and issues affecting the world. Success as a future problem solver is not determined by conventional thinking or following traditional problem-solving steps; truly novel ideas are encouraged, and students who are able to “think outside of the box” succeed in the program.

Future Problem Solving (FPS) competitions are divided into three divisions: Junior (Grades 4–6), Intermediate (Grades 7–9), and Senior (Grades 10–12). There are also an adult competition and an action-based problem-solving competition. Students compete to reach the regional, state, and finally the International Conference of Future Problem Solving. FPS ...