Once again, Urban Engineers participated in the Delaware Valley Regional Future City Competition, celebrating the spirit of innovation and creativity of young minds as they envision future cities. As a Gold Sponsor of this event, we were honored to support a program that introduces engineering and planning to students in grades 6 through 8. This year, between 500 and 600 students participated in the initiative.

Urban was privileged to present the special award for “Technical Communication and Collaboration.” This award recognizes outstanding teamwork and effective communication of complex engineering concepts. By supporting this initiative, Urban helps students develop essential skills for success in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).

This year’s competition theme, “The Floating City Challenge,” asked students to reimagine urban environments as floating cities. Drawing inspiration from centuries-old stories, such as Homer’s The Odyssey, this concept is becoming increasingly relevant. With over 500 coastal cities at risk of being submerged by the end of the century due to rising sea levels and climate change, floating cities offer a forward-thinking solution to these pressing global issues.

Lionville Middle School, this year’s Philadelphia Regional Future City Competition winner, will advance to the national finals in Washington, DC, this February. There, they will compete for a $7,500 prize for their school’s STEM program. We wish them the best of luck and look forward to seeing their innovative ideas compete nationally.

Thank you to the Urban employees who dedicated their time and expertise to this competition:

• Mentors: Dawn Dayawon, Bill Lordan, Madelyn Marquardt, Mike McAtee, Rose Rinker
• Judges: Danielle Baer, Tim Dunn
• Program Design: Charlotte Hinton, Stacey Weiss
• Steering Committee: Mike McAtee

Your assistance is important in helping guide and inspire the next generation of engineers and planners.

Congratulations to all the participants and winners! Click here to learn more about Urban’s involvement with the Future City Competition and our commitment to encouraging young minds in STEM.