FPS Nebraska

Yes, Future Problem Solving works well beyond the classroom in all the spaces and places young people learn. Some groups participate in community-based Future Problem Solving clubs not affiliated with any school. Other students choose to take part as individuals. Great out-of-school time options for doing Future Problem Solving include after-school enrichment settings, youth development programs, and independent learning channels.

Use the Nebraska registration interest form to share your information with us.

Once we receive your registration submission, we will get in touch with you with next steps. Fees are due prior to any qualifying submission of student work.

What are the registration deadlines? 
We recommend registering by mid-October. Early registration allows for feedback on both optional Global Issues practice problems and extended time to complete Community Projects. There is no reduction in fees for later registrations. Students may register to compete in multiple programs. Registration closes December 31.

Global Issues
NE Teams (4 students): $200 per team
NE Individuals: $25 per student

Community Projects
NE Teams (up to 15 students): $25 per project
NE Individuals: $25 per project

Creative Writing 
NE Individuals: $25 per student

Storytelling
NE Individuals: $45 per student (via Open Affiliate)

All coaches gain access to instructional and program materials designed to help them guide their students through the problem-solving process as well as prepare for each regular season topic challenge.

Program registration fees cover everything students need for each competition including access to our online options and evaluation feedback on all submissions. Registration also includes consultative services from the Nebraska Future Problem Solving staff.

Topic learning units are also available for purchase. Each unit contains background research, more suggested readings, discussion questions, learning prompts, assessment resources, and activity units that pair topic information with 6-step problem-solving process training. Our Topic Center and store also include many valuable coaching resources.

Additional fees are required for those invited to attend our Nebraska State Finals ($50 per Global Issues team) and our world finals.

Coach training places place each year in Grand Island. Lincoln/Omaha area coaches can contact us to make other arrangements to train.

Training is offered in two sessions at the beginning of the season (September and November), each running from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM with lunch included. The fee is $50 for one session and $75 for two sessions. Teachers, FPS Nebraska will invoice your school district for payment.

Training includes:

• Guidance for new, beginner, and veteran coaches
• Getting started with FPS
• Starting and managing teams
• Learn steps 1-6
• Resources, tools, tips, and ideas
• Guidance in submission options (online or offline)
• Coaching tips and hints for the qualifying problem
• Help your teams manage their time as they prepare for the competitive two-hour session
• Information on evaluation
• Receive practice future scenes to help your teams prepare
• Bring: Laptop or iPad (if possible)

This a hybrid event. Student work is submitted prior to the in-person event. At the event Global Issues teams present skits of their action plans for judges and attendees. There is also an awards ceremony for all programs.

The winners for the 2026 Future Problem Solving Nebraska Affiliate Finals were announced on April 11, 2026.

NE State Finals 2026

Previous Years 

NE State Finals 2025
NE State Finals 2024
NE State Finals 2023
NE State Finals 2022
NE State Finals 2021
NE State Finals 2020
NE State Finals 2019
NE State Finals 2018
NE State Bowl 2017

The current FPS Nebraska season (2026-2027) Global Issues results are shared for each problem.

Coming Soon

Practice Problem 1 - Digital Dark Age
Practice Problem 2 - Disappearing Cultures
Qualifying Problem - Influencer Marketing

Each year, evaluators assess submissions of student work and provide authentic assessment and feedback. All Nebraska evaluators attend a training before evaluating. Evaluators are compensated for their work, and can – many times – evaluate online in the comfort of their own homes.

Many alumni find serving as an evaluator rewarding. Experienced senior division students may certify to evaluate younger divisions. Often, college students and professionals find evaluating fits their schedules well. Current coaches, parents, and other FPS Nebraska leaders may choose to wear this hat, too. Retired coaches, educators, and professionals also enjoy staying connected by evaluating student work.

Please contact Hannah Pedersen, FPS Nebraska Evaluation Director, for more information. See the season schedule for when students submissions are due over the year.