#United States #Washington, D.C. #DiscoverE #Future City #STEM

The Future City® Competition

In a world increasingly concerned with rising sea levels and climate challenges, the Future City® Competition is paving the way for innovative ideas in urban design and engineering. Organized by DiscoverE, this premier annual event engages middle and high school students in a dynamic STEM experience that encourages creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.

Inspiring Future Engineers

Now in its 33rd year, the Future City Competition allows students to conceptualize, design, and construct cities that could exist in the future. This year’s theme, “Above the Current,” invites participants to explore the concept of floating cities—an imaginative response to the urgent issues of climate change and urbanization.

With over 70,000 students from 1,800 schools across 37 regions in the United States, as well as teams from Canada, China, and Nigeria, the competition is truly global. Regional winners will gather in Washington, D.C. to compete in the global finals from February 15-18, 2025, coinciding with Engineers Week.

The Challenge

Students are tasked with designing floating cities that can sustain life while ensuring the health and safety of their citizens. Each team must present two examples illustrating how their cities operate and overcome common challenges associated with living in such environments.

Kathy Renzetti, the Executive Director and CEO of DiscoverE, emphasizes the importance of this initiative: "The Future City Competition is an incredible opportunity for students to unleash their creativity and think critically about real-world challenges. Every year, we are amazed by the innovative ideas these students present, and it's inspiring to see their passion for building a better, more sustainable future."

A Platform for Success

Participants have the chance to win substantial prizes! Middle school teams will compete for a significant $7,500 grand prize for their school's STEM program, graciously sponsored by Bentley Systems. Meanwhile, high school participants will have opportunities to earn valuable scholarships, potentially opening doors to future career paths in engineering and technology.

The competition is bolstered by numerous industry sponsors, including notable organizations at various support levels such as the Bechtel Group Foundation, Northrop Grumman Foundation, RXT, and Shell Energy. Their contributions help foster a thriving environment for the next generation of engineers.

Get Involved

There’s more than one way to contribute to the Future City movement. Individuals interested in shaping the future of engineering education can visit futurecity.org for information on registration and participation. Notably, the competition is seeking judges to evaluate the innovative projects presented by student teams. Whether you are an engineer, a technical professional, or simply passionate about STEM, your insights could inspire the next generation of problem solvers.

Join DiscoverE as they work towards building a sustainable tomorrow—one incredible city at a time. For insights on the importance of STEM programs and their impact on students across the globe, the DiscoverE website offers a wealth of information.

By participating in the Future City Competition, not only can you witness groundbreaking ideas firsthand, but you can also play a crucial role in inspiring young minds to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

About DiscoverE

DiscoverE is dedicated to fostering engineering awareness and excitement through various global STEM initiatives. With programs like Engineers Week and Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day, they strive to make engineering accessible to underrepresented students, ensuring that every participant has an equal opportunity to explore this dynamic field. For more information about DiscoverE’s mission and programs, please visit discovere.org.