#USA #Washington, DC #STEM Education #DiscoverE #Future City Competition

From Farm to Future: Volunteers Needed for Judging Panel in Record-Breaking STEM Competition

In an extraordinary call to action, DiscoverE, a renowned nonprofit dedicated to mobilizing the engineering community, is seeking volunteers to participate in the judging panel for the 2025-26 Future City Competition. This year’s theme, “Farm to Table,” challenges over 85,000 middle and high school students from around the globe to envision and create cities of the future that effectively eliminate food waste, a pressing issue in sustainability today.

The Future City Competition is more than just a contest; it’s a platform for the next generation of innovators to showcase their creativity and ingenuity in addressing real-world problems. This year marks a milestone, with the highest number of registered participants in the history of the program, reflecting the growing interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields among students. Notably, there’s also a noteworthy 50/50 gender split among participants, a significant achievement in a sector often criticized for gender imbalances.

A Unique Opportunity for Professionals

DiscoverE is expanding its recruitment for judges beyond traditional engineers to include professionals from diverse sectors—particularly those with expertise in culinary arts, agriculture, and food distribution. To ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the student projects, the panel will benefit from the insights of chefs, agricultural experts, and supply chain professionals, alongside engineers. This multidisciplinary approach aims to provide robust feedback, critical to guiding students toward practical solutions for their futuristic designs.

Kathy Renzetti, Executive Director of DiscoverE, emphasizes the importance of this community involvement: “We have more students than ever, which means we need more judges than ever. With a record number of local teams, our judges have the chance to make a direct impact on the future workforce.” This year’s competition is especially significant for professionals in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region, who will have the chance to mentor students from their own communities.

What Judges Will Do

Judges will assess the students' proposals, which include essays, city models, and project plans. They will evaluate multiple aspects:

• - Engineers and Technical Professionals: Will focus on the structural integrity and technical feasibility of the city designs.
• - Chefs and Restaurateurs: Expected to evaluate food preparation, consumption methods, and waste management in large-scale environments.
• - Supply Chain and Distribution Experts: Critiques will be aimed at assessing the efficiency of transporting produce from farms to urban centers.
• - Agriculture Leaders: Will assess the feasibility of advanced farming techniques proposed by the students.
• - Educators and Community Leaders: Focus on the presentation skills, planning abilities, and the civic impact of the students’ designs.

The Impact of Volunteering

Volunteers can choose to judge either in person at the finals in Washington, DC, slated for February 2026, or virtually for regional events. Each judging commitment allows industry professionals to offer valuable insights and guidance, bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and real-world applications, thereby helping students align their ambitious ideas with practical career paths.

If you are a professional eager to inspire the next generation and have a passion for engineering, food sustainability, or technical innovation, we encourage you to get involved. To volunteer as a judge, please register at futurecity.org/judge-registration.

Corporate Involvement

Companies within the food and beverage sector interested in supporting the Future City Competition are welcome to reach out to DiscoverE at their provided contact email for potential partnership opportunities.

DiscoverE’s programs, including the Future City Competition, are made possible thanks to generous contributions from sponsors, including the Bechtel Group Foundation, Northrop Grumman Foundation, and several others.

About DiscoverE

DiscoverE is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of engineers through engaging and accessible STEM initiatives. Educational programs like Engineers Week™, Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day™, and the Future City Competition exemplify their commitment to fostering creativity, problem-solving, and a profound understanding of the engineering profession's essential role in building a sustainable future. For more details, visit discovere.org.