SMART Competition Information

The SMART Competition is a high school team-based STEM-Workforce Development educational program that provides a practical investigation of the smart grid, energy monitoring and power generation and the impacts on building design. The intelligent design problem incorporates sustainable materials and renewable technology using a campus as a virtual modeling platform. According to Mike Andrews, one of the founders of the SMART Competition, "High School students enrolled in CTE programs will get a lot out of the competition. The practical use of the Bentley design software will enable them to create a real solution in a virtual environment." According to the Department of Education, the important elements of high school STEM education programs are: That the program provides a challenging and rigorous program of study focusing on the application of STEM subjects. The program offers topics, courses and pathways for preparation in STEM fields and occupations. The program bridges and connects in-school and out-of-school learning opportunities. The program provides opportunities for student exploration of STEM related fields and careers, especially for underrepresented populations. The program prepares students for successful post-secondary careers and employment, education, or both. The SMART Competition embodies all of those elements. The SMART Competition is a brand new educational offering. There are no "current" practices for this program. Some of the key strengths of the competition include: Promotes "out of the box" thinking in relevant and future-directed technologies. Promotes and supports accepted CTE and K-12 STEM education initiatives. Incorporates standards for technological literacy adopted by the International Technology Education Association (ITEA) Motivates students to consider engineering as a viable higher education or career choice. Provides the student with 21 st Century workforce tools, including the Bentley software that can be used immediately. Poses no barriers to entry or participatory bias ...