What is FPS?
Future Problem Solving (FPS) is an international program involving thousands of students annually from around the world. WA FPS is the Washington State affiliate of Future Problem Solving Program International (FPSPI).
By learning the FPS six-step process, students learn critical and creative thinking skills, develop a vision for the future, and prepare for leadership roles.
Students in grades 4 through 12 in Washington State are eligible to participate in the four competitive components: Team and Individual Global Issues Problem Solving (GIPS), Team and Individual Community Problem Solving (CmPS), Scenario Writing, and Scenario Performance.
​
The FPS Process: The FPS process encourages and develops thinking skills and enables students to adapt to a changing world.
​
Six-Step FPS Process
* Identify Challenges related to a topic or future scene
* Select an Underlying Problem
* Produce Solution Ideas to Underlying Problem
* Generate and Select Criteria to Evaluate Solution Ideas
* Develop the Action Plan
FPS Competitive Components
​Team and Individual Global Issues Problem Solving (GIPS)
Under guidance of a coach, participants use the FPSPI six-step model to explore, challenge, and propose action plans to complex societal issues. A specific topic is presented, using a "future scene" as a catalyst for generating and focusing ideas. Teams complete two practice problems and one qualifying problem throughout the school year. Trained evaluators score student work and give feedback, including suggestions for improvement. The winner of each level at State advances to the International Conference in June, along with 2,000 students and coaches from around the world.

Scenario Writing (ScW)
An FPSPI Scenario is a 1500-word, short story where one possible future outcome is developed through character and plot. Each scenario must have a recognizable relationship to one of this year's FPSPI topics. Participants may submit one scenario per academic year. First place winners in each division will be invited to compete at the International level.
Scenario Performance (ScP)
A relatively new component, Scenario Performance allows scenario writers the opportunity to perform their stories aloud. This is a great option for more outgoing or theatrically-minded participants. Scenario Performances are submitted by video recording and are evaluated on both their story and the strength of their story telling. Performers who qualify will present their performance for evaluation live at the State Bowl, and the first place winners in each division will be invited to compete at the International level.
​Team and Individual Community Problem Solving (CmPS)
​
CmPS teams and individuals apply problem solving skills to a current problem in their local area. Using the FPSPI six-step problem-solving model, students implement an Action Plan as a part of their CmPS experience. Teams move from hypothetical issues to real world, authentic concerns. A CmPS team can be composed of as few as one student or up to 50. Projects can span several years, if necessary. State winners are eligible to participate at the International Conference. This can be a significant Service Learning opportunity.
​
​
2019 State Bowl, CmPS projects, Cathcart Elementary.
Scenario Performance by Sidhya Ganesh, who has placed multiple times in the top three at Internationals.