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Odyssey of the Mind (OM) promotes creativity, problem solving, teamwork, and more. It is a creative problem-solving competition that gives kids the confidence to think for themselves and to create solutions to any challenge. Independent study, original ideas, and critical thinking skills are rewarded over getting the "one right answer" thanks to our unique open-ended problems that are backed by educators and experts in STE(A)M fields. Performance, art & cultural studies are also incorporated, creating a well-rounded program that has impacted lives for over 40 years. OM benefits all types of students as they learn to think outside the box.

Participation

● Students work in teams of up to seven members and spend weeks or months working together and creating solutions to long-term problems. Every year, there are six long-term problems designed for them to choose from.

● Teams are formed by division and compete against teams in the same division and problem. Grade level determines the division for teams.

● In the competition, teams have eight minutes to present their long-term problem solution. They will be scored for how well they meet the requirements of the problem (Long-Term score) and for their creativity in categories specific to that problem (Style score).

Cost

Yearly memberships are required to participate in OM. Each membership supports one team per problem per division.

● Standard Membership $290: Individual schools/ Multiple schools sharing a principal.

● Additional Membership $190: Only for schools who enter two teams in the same problem and division in competition.

Awards

● Ranatra Fusca Creativity Award: It represents the essence of OM. It is presented to teams or individuals who exhibit exceptional creativity, either through some aspect of their problem solution, or an extraordinary idea beyond the problem solution.

● OMER's Award: It recognizes individuals or teams who demonstrate outstanding sportsmanship, excellent behavior, or exceptional talent.

● Odyssey of the Mind Creativity Award: It recognizes an individual and/ or organization for extraordinary creative achievement or exceptional effort.

● Odyssey of the Mind Spirit Award: It recognizes an individual involved in the program who demonstrates the encouragement and development of cooperation, self-respect, and the appreciation and understanding of others.