HOUSTON — Rainforest deforestation is not too big of a problem for the students of Tekoa Academy.

Taylor Ardoin, Susanah Alvarez, Travionna Bailey, Senai Flanagan and Lilly Johnson selected rainforest deforestation as the challenge they would like to overcome during Saturday morning’s Microsoft’s EPIC competition in Houston.

The five seventh and eighth grade girls heard an introduction to artificial intelligence and machine learning by program creator Dr. Cesare Wright then sat down with NASA engineers to identify a global problem and develop a solution utilizing artificial intelligence.

Tekoa Academy students proposed training A.I. to identify areas of deforestation using satellite imagery. Then, drones could be used to collect samples to determine the health of the soil.

Finally, an army of autonomous rovers could be dispatched, repairing the damage by planting seeds and watering them.

At the end of the day, each team presented their ideas in front of a panel of judges.

“In my opinion, Tekoa Academy had the best idea. Unfortunately, another team was selected as the winner,” said Richard Johnson of Tekoa Academy. “In the end, the girls had fun, learned a lot and look forward to the chance to compete again next year,” said Richard Johnson of Tekoa Academy.”

Microsoft is partnering with community-based organizations to ensure that K-12 students have access to the academic skills necessary to pursue next-generation careers in technology and engineering.

The Microsoft EPIC program offers an advanced curriculum that blends project-based STEM learning with an educational foundation in artificial intelligence, data science, autonomous control systems, and robotic technologies.

Tekoa Academy of Accelerated Studies is celebrating its 20th anniversary. With locations in Port Arthur and Orange, Tekoa Academy has classes from prekindergarten to 12th Grade.