STEM Outreach Solutions
Important Dates
- October 1 - November 6, 2026
National Challenge Pre-Registration - TBD - October, 2026
Teacher Training (Tallahasee) - November 3, 2026
Teacher Training (Broward County) - January 23, 2027
Regional Competitions - TBD
State Competition - February 5, 2027
National Challenge Submittal - May 16, 2027
National Competition
Florida’s growing population depends on a strong transportation system — and that means we need the next generation of problem-solvers ready to take on big challenges in civil engineering and transportation.
To spark that interest, the Florida Department of Transportation has partnered with AASHTO STEM Outreach Solutions to offer hands-on learning modules designed for middle and high school classrooms.
This initiative is part of a larger pipeline to grow Florida’s transportation workforce and show students the wide range of careers that keep our state moving.
Florida students place 3rd at the National Bridge Competition
Inspiring Students, Empowering Teachers
Building Bridges: A STEM Learning Experience
Florida middle and high school students are discovering how civil engineering shapes the world around them by building bridges.
Florida educators in 7th–12th grade take part in customized, hands-on training on the AASHTO Bridge Module, which is a self-contained curriculum designed around real-world engineering and transportation challenges.
Students explore:
- The science behind bridge design and construction
- How forces like tension and compression impact stability
- Problem-solving techniques engineers use every day
By connecting STEM concepts directly to civil engineering and transportation, the Bridge Module inspires curiosity, strengthens critical thinking, and introduces students to the exciting career opportunities that keep Florida moving forward.
FDOT State Bridge Competition
The Florida Department of Transportation, in partnership with the American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida and the Florida Engineering Society, invites you to save the date for the 2027 Florida Bridge Competitions!
On Saturday, January 23, three regional competitions will take place across Florida on the same day, each hosting events for Grades 6–8, Grades 9–10, and Grades 11–12. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams in each group at every location.
These competitions are Florida’s connection to the AASHTO Bridge Builder program and the National Bridge Challenge. Through the Bridge Builder lessons, students will design, build, and test their bridges—gaining hands on engineering experience. The regional Florida Bridge Competitions give students an opportunity to showcase their hard work and refine their designs with local engineers before the national competition.
As part of this pathway, Grade 6 students may participate in the Florida regional and statewide competitions to gain early experience, helping them build confidence and familiarity with the Bridge Builder program. However, Grade 6 students are not eligible to advance to the AASHTO National Bridge Challenge, which begins at Grade 7.
A statewide championship is also being planned for May 2027 in Orlando, where the top teams from each regional competition will compete for statewide honors.
Keep an eye out for registration information and additional details about the national and statewide events coming soon!
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