LACCEI K-12: Engineering for the Americas Challenge
The K-12 Engineering Initiatives Competition is a platform that brings together diverse initiatives to showcase innovative projects that inspire and motivate pre-university (K-12) students to consider careers in engineering. Its goal is to highlight programs and actions that effectively bridge the gap between early education and opportunities in science and engineering.
Participation Guidelines
- Teams (not individuals) interested in participating must submit a video explaining their initiative and technical proposal. The video should describe the objectives, methods, outcomes, and impact of the initiative. Initiatives to consider:
- Recruitment or retention of K-12 students into engineering
- Leadership opportunities for students interested in engineering
- Exposure to projects, ideas, or cultures that are associated with engineering
- Community activities that enhance capacity building and interest in engineering
- Outreach efforts focused on attracting students into engineering
- Selected teams will be invited to attend and present their initiatives at the LACCEI 2026 Multiconference (Chile).
- Presentations at the conference will allow teams to share their work with a broad audience of academics, professionals, and policymakers committed to advancing engineering education.
- English or Spanish.
How to Participate
Objective: Explain the participation process step-by-step to guide teams clearly.
- Register online through the official form before the deadline.
- Send the proposal. Prepare your submission (https://www.conftool.pro/laccei2026/):
- Written summary (1–2 pages) describing the problem, solution, and impact.
- 3-minute video presentation (MP4 format): objectives, methods, outcomes, and impact of the initiative.
- Wait for evaluation: Judges will review all projects and select finalists (2nd phase).
- At least one team member must be registered for the Multiconference LACCEI 2026 (Chile).
- Every member of the finalist team attending Chile must formally register to participate in the Multiconference and the Competition.
- Submit your project via the online platform before the deadline.
- Participate in the final event finalists will present.
- Celebrate and share! Certificates and awards will be given to all finalists.
Rules & Eligibility
Objective: Define who can participate and the main competition requirements.
- Eligibility:
- Teams can be comprised of researchers/professors, initiatives, or programs related to engineering and K-12.
- The award is given to an organization, institution, or agency; no individual prizes are awarded.
- Projects must be original and created specifically for this competition.
- At least one team member must be registered for the Multiconference LACCEI 2026 (Chile).
- Every member of the finalist team attending Chile must formally register to participate in the Multiconference and the Competition.
- Submission requirements:
- Each team must submit a project report and a short presentation video (max. 3 minutes).
- All materials must be submitted in English or Spanish.
- Late submissions will not be accepted.
- Code of conduct:
- Respect, inclusion, and teamwork are essential.
- Plagiarism or use of copyrighted materials without permission is prohibited.
- Intellectual Property:
- The rights of the projects remain with the authors, but LACCEI may share and promote the projects for educational purposes.
Awards
To recognize and support outstanding initiatives, prizes will be awarded to the top three teams (In Person):
- First Place: 2,500 USD.
- Second Place: 2,000 USD.
- Third Place: 1,000 USD.
The three best virtual projects will be recognized with the following awards:
- First place: 500 USD.
- Second place: Certificate only.
- Third place: Certificate only.
Timeline of the Competition
- October, 2025: Opening of registrations
- November, 2025: Attend the virtual info session & get your questions answered
- February, 2026: Submit your team’s video presentation & technical proposal
- March, 2026: Evaluation period by judges
- April, 2026: Receive acceptance letter into the final competition
- July, 2026: Present your work at the LACCEI conference in Chile
Evaluation Criteria
Objective: Ensure transparency and fairness in project evaluation. Projects will be evaluated based on:
- Innovation and Creativity: The initiative demonstrates originality, creativity, or innovative approaches to engage and inspire K-12 students toward engineering.
- 25%
- Impact and Outcomes: Evidence of measurable positive outcomes on students and the community (e.g., increased interest in engineering, student engagement, skills development).
- 25%
- Access and Equity: The initiative promotes diversity and equitable access to engineering opportunities for underrepresented groups.
- 15%
- Sustainability and Scalability: The project demonstrates potential for long-term sustainability or replication in other contexts or institutions.
- 15%
- Presentation and Clarity: The video and supporting materials clearly communicate the initiative’s objectives, methods, and outcomes.
- 10%
- Collaboration and Leadership: Evidence of teamwork, student leadership, and collaboration with schools, universities, or community organizations.
- 10%
https://laccei.org/LACCEI_uploads/K12-Evaluation_Criteria.pdf
Contact / Support
- ConfTool: Video & Technical proposal
- hmurzi@tamu.edu
Coordinator / Contact
Dr. Homero Murzi. Texas A&M University (TAMU) – USA
hmurzi@tamu.edu