The Regional STEM Challenge Series
2025-2026
Chief Science Officer Program
We have once again received funding for the CSO Program. Students attend a Leadership Training Institute, A fall and a spring Cabinet Meeting and an End-of-Year Celebration. They also complete an outreach project. For more details review the frequently asked questions document & the RIU6 Highlights Newsletter.
Start your CSO journey here: Join the CSO Program – 2026–2027! Deadline: September 10, 2026 (No need to have your students identified before filling out the form!)
Shape Pittsburgh’s future by creating a plan to Power Pittsburgh and/or Acrisure Stadium. Teams will develop a solution that supports the local economy, environment, & community. Start by researching Pittsburgh—its people, resources, & potential for alternative energy. Teams can be up to four (4) 9th-12th grade students.
Regional Competition Date: October 16, 2026
A one-day STEM experience launching across PA designed like a STEM hackathon — fast-paced, fun, and student-driven. On the day of the event, teams will hear from a keynote speaker who will reveal a real-world problem. Students will then work together to brainstorm, design, and start building a solution — all in one day. This is open to students in grades 5–12, in teams of 4-5 students.
Regional Competition Date: November 2 (9th-12th) & November 3 (5th-8th)
Throughout the fall, advisors and teams will identify projects, problem solve, iterate and determine how to showcase their ideas. In November and early December, individuals share their work with judges virtually. Inventors from across the state will be considered to bring projects to the state level. The official invitations to states will be issued in late December. The 2026 state event will occur on February 4 in Hershey. It is a component of the PA Educational Technology Expo and Conference. From there, a very select few will make the journey to Nationals in June. OPEN to All, Grades K-12.
In teams of 2 to 4, students will put their creativity and problem-solving skills to the test as they tackle a real-world challenge. Using K’Nex, and/or Engino, teams will design and build a one-of-a-kind project, craft a Design Notebook, and draw up your team’s blueprint. The top team at the regional event will earn a spot at the state competition in May. The 2026 STEM Design Challenge is Eco-Factory: Build a Sustainable Production Machine: Design part of a factory that produces a product using sustainable practices and prepare a prototype demonstration to showcase how the machine works and supports sustainable production. Using K'Nex, Engino, and/or recycled materials, the prototype must emphasize sustainability by minimizing waste, maximizing efficiency, and/or using simulated recycled or reusable parts or materials. Open to 4th-8th Grades.
Regional Competition Date: March 31, 2027
UPDATE: Due to declining registration numbers across the state, this student event is no longer supported regionally nor at the state level.
A semester-long engineering initiative that equips teachers and students (grades 5th-8th) to participate in engineering activities within their school or afterschool program. Professional engineers serve as mentors to students throughout the year. Schools who participate are diverse – public, parochial and private – and have the option of making this part of their school day or an extended program. Each spring, all the participants come together for a day of engineering challenges, grouped in new teams to compete for prizes.