13 Engineering Challenges for High School Students to Showcase Innovation

Engineering is a field that is always changing, which means that students can always use their creativity and problem-solving skills. High school students, especially, can benefit from taking on engineering challenges, which not only help them learn more about technology but also encourage creativity and critical thinking. Students can work together, think outside the box, and use what they’ve learned to solve problems in the real world by taking part in these challenges. Here are 13 engineering problems that are meant to get high school students thinking and to see how creative they can be:

• 1. VEX Robotics Competition

  Summary: Participants design, build, and program robots to complete tasks and compete against other teams.

  Pros: Encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and hands-on engineering experience.

  Cons: Requires significant time and resource commitment.

  Date: Rolling registration

  Cost: Varies by region and typically includes kit and registration fees.

  Prize: Scholarships and awards at various competition levels

• 2.  FIRST Robotics Competition

  Summary: Teams of high school students, with the help of mentors, build robots to compete in a new game each year.

  Pros: Provides real-world engineering experience and access to a network of professionals.

  Cons: High time investment and need for fundraising.

  Date: Typically January to April

  Cost: Registration fee plus costs for parts and materials

  Prize: Scholarships and regional/national recognition

• 3. Destination Imagination

  Summary: Teams work on solving open-ended challenges in STEM, the arts, and service learning.

  Pros: Fosters creativity, teamwork, and innovative thinking.

  Cons: Requires a long-term commitment and diverse skill sets.

  Date: Annual, with regional competitions leading to global finals

  Cost: Registration fee varies by location

  Prize: Medals, trophies, and global recognition

• 4. eCYBERMISSION

  Summary: Students work on projects that address real community issues using STEM.

  Pros: Focuses on real-world problem-solving and community impact.

  Cons: Requires self-motivation and good project management skills.

  Date: Registration typically opens in summertime every year.

  Cost: Free of charge

  Prize: Up to $10,000 in U.S. EE Savings Bonds

• 5. STEAM in AI Multimodal Challenge

  Summary: An AI challenge where students work on problems presented and create presentations for solutions to inspire students to pursue technology. 

  Pros: The challenge is designed for young learners in middle and high school; no previous coding experience is required.

  Cons: Teams must find their own Mentors.

  Date: 2024 season

  Cost: $60

  Prize: Up to $1,000 prize

• 6. TSA High School Competitions

  Summary: A series of STEM-based competitions including engineering, technology, and leadership challenges.

  Pros: Wide range of topics and skills, strong focus on leadership.

  Cons: High level of competition and preparation required.

  Date: Annual, with state and national events

  Cost: Membership and competition fees

  Prize: Trophies, scholarships, and recognition

• 7. Exploravision

  Summary: Students envision and create a future technology and its impact.

  Pros: Encourages futuristic thinking and detailed research.

  Cons: Requires extensive documentation and presentation skills.

  Date: Submissions are due in January every year.

  Cost: Free of charge

  Prize: U.S. EE Savings Bonds and a trip to Washington, D.C.

• 8. National STEM League

  Summary: Teams compete in various STEM challenges throughout the year.

  Pros: Continuous engagement with multiple challenges, fostering a range of skills.

  Cons: High commitment throughout the school year.

  Date: Rolling throughout the academic year

  Cost: Registration and materials fee

  Prize: Scholarships and awards

• 9. Zero Robotics

  Summary: Students program robots on the International Space Station.

  Pros: Unique opportunity to work on space technology.

  Cons: Requires strong programming skills and teamwork.

  Date: Seasonal, typically summer to winter

  Cost: Free of charge

  Prize: Opportunity to have code run on the ISS

• 10. MathWorks Math Modeling Challenge

  Summary: Teams use mathematical modeling to solve real-world problems.

  Pros: Enhances math skills and understanding of real-world applications.

  Cons: Intense preparation and competition period.

  Date: Competition weekend in March

  Cost: Free of charge

  Prize: Scholarships and recognition

• 11. Samsung Solve for Tomorrow

  Summary: Teams create STEM projects to address local issues.

  Pros: Focus on community impact and practical problem-solving.

  Cons: Requires project development and strong presentation skills.

  Date: Annual, with phases throughout the school year

  Cost: Free of charge

  Prize: Technology packages and scholarships

• 12. MATE ROV Competition

  Summary: Teams design and build remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to complete underwater tasks inspired by real-world scenarios.

  Pros: Hands-on experience with marine technology and robotics, opportunities for innovation and teamwork.

  Cons: Requires access to specialized materials and a testing environment.

  Date: Annual, with regional competitions leading to an international championship

  Cost: Registration fee plus costs for materials

  Prize: Trophies, certificates, and scholarships

• 13. Future City Competition

  Summary: Teams design a city of the future using SimCity software and build a scale model.

  Pros: Integrates STEM and social studies and encourages creative thinking.

  Cons: Requires a blend of skills and a significant time investment.

  Date: Annual, from fall to spring

  Cost: Registration fee

  Prize: Trip to Washington, D.C., scholarships, and awards

Unlock new possibilities in engineering by joining an AI competition! Learn how to hone technical skills while tackling real-world problems.

Apply to Join The STEAM in AI Multimodal Championship Inaugural Season 2024-2025