(FORT WAYNE) - Middle school students from across Indiana will gather Saturday at Purdue University Fort Wayne for the regional Future City Competition, an event highlighting student-driven solutions to real-world challenges through science, technology, engineering, and math. The competition, organized by DiscoverE, brings together students in grades six through eight to design cities of the future that emphasize sustainability and innovation.
This year's theme, "Farm to Table," challenges teams to create a city system that completely eliminates food waste. More than 90 students are expected to compete, presenting essays, giving oral presentations, and defending physical city models before judges representing engineering, education, and community professions. The regional event is locally sponsored by General Motors, the Indiana Michigan Power Foundation, and additional award sponsors.
Preliminary judging begins at 9 a.m. in the Classic Ballroom at the Walb Student Union, with special award judging at 10 a.m. Final judging is scheduled from 1:20 to 3 p.m., followed by the announcement of winners at 3:20 p.m. Top teams will advance to the international Future City Competition, set for Feb. 14-18 in Washington, D.C..
Organizers said the event is free and open to the public. New this year, Future City Jr. has been added to include fourth- and fifth-grade students, creating an earlier pathway into middle school STEM programs and future competition participation.