Space Center Houston’s STEM Competition Open to Youth

The Conrad Challenge, presented by Space Center Houston, recently opened registration for their 19th year of STEM innovation and entrepreneurship competitions. The contest is available to students aged 13 to 18 years old.

The challenge was created by Nancy Conrad. It aimed to uphold the legacy of her husband, Pete Conrad, who was an Apollo 12 astronaut and the third man to step foot on the moon. Students who participate are given the opportunity to learn about real-world situations and brainstorm solutions of their own.

Over 1,000 schools across all 50 U.S. states and 72 countries have taken part in the Conrad Challenge since its birth. Last year, a record-breaking 3,400 students joined in on the fun.

This year’s competition spans five categories. These include Aerospace & Aviation, Cyber-Technology & Security, Energy & Environment, Health & Nutrition, and, as a 2024-2025 special, Currents of Change: The Water Challenge. The final subject focuses on worldwide water purity and efficiency strategies.

Students will join teams to compete in the year-long challenge. They will be provided with expert assistants and other resources in their given subject matter. It begins with the Activation & Lean Canvas Stages, where teams are presented with a global issue and devise solutions. Then, they move on to the Innovation Stage to learn entrepreneurial skills and market their findings to a judging panel.

Finalists in these stages will be invited to the Conrad Challenge Innovation Summit & Expo at Space Center Houston to compete for scholarships, support, and the title of Pete Conrad Scholar.

"We are thrilled to welcome a new cohort of bright minds as they embark on this journey of discovery," said William T. Harris, president and CEO of Space Center Houston. "The Conrad Challenge empowers young visionaries to transform bold ideas into reality, fueling a new generation of leaders ready to extend the limits of what's possible."

Registration for the Conrad Challenge will remain open until Friday, November 1, 2024, at 11:59 pm EDT.

FMI: www.conradchallenge.org