Ralph Coppola, Ed.D., Director, Real World Design Challenge
The REAL WORLD DESIGN CHALLENGE is first and foremost an opportunity for students to solve real world problems using 21st century skills. It is a competition that will challenge their critical-thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration and problem-solving abilities using professional tools they’ve never had before. The challenge is designed by professionals from industry, academia, and government. Students first compete in a state-level Lt. Governor’s Cup and winners are announced at a state awards ceremony. Each state’s winning team is eligible to compete at the national challenge event in Washington, D.C. where solutions to the national challenge are presented to a panel of judges and a national winner is chosen. Winners will receive prizes, awards, and recognition from leaders in government, industry, and higher education.
This competition personifies STEM. It breathes life into science, technology, engineering and math classroom concepts and principles to solve real world problems of the workplace. Student teams in grades 9-12 contribute innovative solutions to real industry design problems. These teams are built around real industry roles such as project manager, scientist, engineer, and community relations and marketing. The Challenge problem is defined by industry which donates one million dollars in professional engineering software to each participating teacher. Instructor led training and web-based training is provided by Design and Global Engineering. Mentors are provided by Federal Laboratories & Centers, industry, and higher education.
This competition aligns secondary education with technical workforce needs thus addressing workforce development in the global marketplace. Alabama students should and can provide the 21st century workforce needed to compete in an ever-growing, global economic market.
DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO OFFER STUDENTS A CHANCE TO LEARN, TO GROW, AND TO SUCCEED IN A WAY THEY’VE NEVER BEFORE EXPERIENCED!
