The Boston Society of Civil Engineers Section/ASCE (BSCES) is dedicated to helping to support and promote the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math through STEM education. Led by our Public Awareness & Outreach (PA&O) Committee, BSCES has a group of over 100 regular volunteers that mentor students, run student activities, talk at schools, conduct tours, take in job shadows, and perform many other activities. We are most famous for running two major events:
New England Regional Future City Competition
Over 60 teams of students from all corners of New England are already working on the challenge for this year. They are asked to create their dream city of the future and explain how it works using logic, scientific basis, and sound engineering principles. They create a scale model using recyclables, write a 1,500 word essay, create a seven-minute presentation and answer questions from panels of judges. There are two semifinals this year: western New England on January 18, 2025, and eastern New England on January 25, 2025. This year, all cities must be FLOATING CITIES!
Model Bridge Contest
This contest is in its 33rd year and challenges close to 100 teams of students, grades 5-12, to build a 3 1/2-foot span bridge of a “surprise” material, with new specifications prepared annually. This year, our bridges are completely compostable as they are constructed using corrugated cardboard sheets and Kraft paper tape! The contest will be in-person event on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Wentworth Institute of Technology’s Watson Hall.
As a BSCES STEM Outreach Friend, you are showing your support for these activities and the many students participating, helping to ensure that there are young people that will grow to make the world a better place. We are now seeing alumni from this competition returning to us as judges, having grown to be outstanding STEM professionals. Visit engineeryourfuture.org to learn more, including how to become a PA&O Committee volunteer!
STEM Outreach Friend Benefits:
- All BSCES STEM Outreach Friends who make a donation by Tuesday, January 14, 2025, will be listed in a slideshow that is shown at both the Model Bridge and Future City Competitions.
- BSCES STEM Outreach Friends that donate $100 or more will receive a vintage t-shirt from one of our past student competitions.
- Most importantly, you gain the benefit of knowing you helped a great cause!
How to Become a BSCES STEM Outreach Friend:
Click here to choose a donation amount and become a STEM Friend.
If you have any questions, please contact Rich Keenan at 617/305-4110 or at [email protected].