Forecasting the Future 2024: Who Won and What Students Learned

Last fall, the Alliance for Decision Education hosted Forecasting the Future 2024, a free, online tournament for middle and high school students to sharpen their decision-making skills by making forecasts, or predictions based on historical and current data, for outcomes of upcoming real-world events. Below, we’re sharing highlights from students on their experience participating in the tournament. 

480 students from 22 states registered to participate in a six-week tournament beginning November 11, making their own forecasts in response to questions about movies, sports, music, and more.

As in our previous tournaments, we teamed up with Cultivate Labs to offer this exciting, gamified learning opportunity for students.

1. Fletcher K., Lincoln College Preparatory Academy, Kansas City, MO
2. Ian C., Ethical Culture Fieldston School, Bronx, NY
3. Jake R., Ethical Culture Fieldston School, Bronx, NY
4. Mina Y., Stuyvesant High School, New York, NY
5. David F., Townview Health, Dallas, TX
6. Redita R., Stuyvesant High School, New York, NY
7. Clyde K., Stuyvesant High School, New York, NY
8. Justin Z., Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter, NH
9. Lucas L., Stuyvesant High School, New York, NY
10. Leonna W., Stuyvesant High School, New York, NY

“I’ve learned to break down problems into smaller steps and think through the process carefully instead of rushing to a solution. For example, when I’m planning a project for school now, I use the same approach I learned in the tournament—looking at all the details first, organizing my thoughts, and considering different possible outcomes before jumping in. It’s helped me make better choices, whether it’s deciding how to divide my time or how to approach a tough assignment!” – Tasnim D., MTI School Of Knowledge, Indianapolis, IN

“I now think more in terms of modifying a base rate and not based on gut feelings.” – Samuel S., Stuyvesant High School, New York, NY

“I learned to pay attention to actual previous data instead of just thinking what I would expect without proof.” – Nina R., Honesdale High School, Honesdale, PA

“I’ve had to do research on past events, look at trends, and analyze them in new ways. I will always do my own research and use facts to think more critically about problems.” – Juliette G., Chapin School, New York, NY

“It has made me think more about the numbers rather than just thinking about the words. For example, instead of saying there is a slight chance of something, I would rather hear a percentage to get a better grasp of the chances.” – Tournament participant

Student forecasting tournaments are just one of the ways we bring Decision Education skills and concepts to students across the country. Registration for our next student forecasting tournament opens February 19 and closes March 30, and the tournament begins on March 31. Middle and high school students ages 13-19 across the United States are eligible to participate.

Learn more and encourage students you know to register!