Department of Education Holding Build Iowa’s Future Design Challenge

The Iowa Department of Education is holding a Build Iowa’s Future Design Challenge, an opportunity for K-12 students to create innovative projects, connect to high-demand careers and compete for up to $1,000 in awards for their schools.

The Home Builders Association of Iowa (HBAI) and Iowa Clearinghouse for Work-Based Learning are hosts. It aims to connect classroom work to real-world jobs. It’s in keeping with the Future Ready Iowa goal of 70 percent of the workforce having education or training beyond high school by 2025 and is a creative introduction to skilled-trades careers.

Elementary and middle school students may participate in the Iowa Home Design Challenge by constructing a model home using toy plastic construction bricks, wood blocks or other materials of their choice. High school students may participate in the Iowa Dream and Design Challenge, which involves conceptualizing and designing a project that could improve their community. Students will seek feedback about the project’s feasibility from people who would be impacted, but students will not actually build the project.

“With approximately 7.5 million construction jobs projected nationwide by 2026, and ongoing industry expansion, we want students to explore those opportunities for great-paying jobs. This project makes that introduction in a creative way,” said HBAI Iowa Executive Officer Jay Iverson. “Our members are excited to see what students are able to come up with.”

Interested students should tell their parents and teachers they want to participate. Sign up letter is due Sept. 29. The Iowa Association of Community College Trustees, Kreg Tool Company and Pella Corporation are sponsoring the challenge awards. 

Visit https://clearinghouse.futurereadyiowa.gov/challenge to learn further details.