2026 Writing and Design Competition - Note to Educators

Dear Educator,

Thank you for exploring the annual Writing Contest. This contest is part of the National Academy of Engineering’s Pathways into Engineering Program. It was formerly hosted through EngineerGirl, but now it will be co-hosted jointly by EngineerGirl and EngineerTeen. The Contest is intended to encourage students in grades 3-12 to investigate engineering and the ways that it shapes our world. This year, we’re including art and asking students to use the engineering design process to create art that expresses how engineers create a better world. Their full submission should include both a visual and written component.

A parent or guardian must approve each student’s entry into the contest, but educators often provide the framework that will help youth feel comfortable participating. Each participant will receive personal feedback from the contest judges regarding their entry, and if the guardian allows, the teacher will also receive a copy of the feedback. If you have questions about the contest, please reach out to EngineerTeen@nae.edu and we will be happy to help.

We hope that this competition will spark discussion and generate activities that can enhance or extend the material you are already teaching. If you can engage your entire class or group in a project exploring the role of art and creativity in engineering, that would be a wonderful way to explore the topic. However, even if not, there are several things you can do:

• Wherever possible, please promote the contest to students and families. A flyer to share this contest is available for download.
• Provide links to the EngineerGirl and/or EngineerTeen sites on classroom websites or newsletters to let youth and parents know about the contest.
• Encourage students who could benefit most from the experience to participate.
• Cheer on students who may think they aren't smart enough or don't have any experience with engineering – participation in the contest could open up entirely new futures to them. While some students already know a lot about engineering, a vote of confidence from a trusted adult may help a young person consider options they hadn't thought of before.
• Help arrange access to computers or the internet for students who may not otherwise be able to participate.
• Consider walking through an activity using the engineering design process to help your students better understand the steps.
• Review the personalized feedback with participants in your class to help them improve their writing and gain confidence in their skills.

We would love to hear from you!

If you work in any way with students participating in the contest, consider sharing your experience with us. You may offer feedback during the contest period via our Contest Feedback Form, but we would also love to receive more specific feedback regarding your own experiences with the competition. You may write to us via email at EngineerTeen@nae.edu to tell us how you use the contest with your students.

Finally, thank you for all that you do for your students and for your support and encouragement to help them succeed!

Sincerely,
The EngineerGirl and EngineerTeen Team