Future City Competition expands to high school students and invites judges to shape next generation of engineers

DiscoverE has announced the 33rd Annual Future City Competition, inviting engineering and technical professionals to volunteer as judges. 

The competition, which challenges students to design solutions to real-world problems, will now include high school participants alongside middle school students.

This year’s theme focuses on creating floating cities to address rising sea levels and climate change. Students will present their ideas through essays, project plans, scale models, and presentations. 

Judging can be conducted either in person at regional events in January or virtually, culminating in the global finals in Washington, DC, from February 17–20, 2025, during Engineers Week.

Kathy Renzetti, Executive Director & CEO of DiscoverE, said: 

“We’re excited to expand the Future City Competition to include high school students this year, giving even more young minds the chance to think and innovate like real engineers. 

As a judge, you’ll witness firsthand the creativity and potential of these students as they gain crucial skills like teamwork, communication, and critical thinking that will benefit both their futures and the STEM workforce.”

The competition brings together over 67,000 students from 1,800 schools across the United States, Canada, and China. Regional winners advance to the finals, where middle school participants compete for a $7,500 prize for their school’s STEM program, sponsored by Bentley Systems. 

High school students will vie for college scholarships, marking a new opportunity for older students to participate in the competition.

Judging involves reviewing student submissions, assessing their understanding of engineering principles, and providing feedback. Volunteers can participate in person or virtually, making it accessible to professionals across various locations.

For those in STEM professions, volunteering offers the chance to make an impact on young learners, support the future engineering workforce, and gain fresh perspectives from innovative projects.