DuPage County Report
DuPage County and SCARCE are now accepting project registrations from local high school students for the 17th annual Sustainable Design Challenge, which will be held in-person on April 18.
The Sustainable Design Challenge encourages students to construct building and landscape models using environmental and water-friendly design practices.
“Seeing the innovative building designs created by the students who participate in this annual challenge is inspiring,” said Stormwater Committee Chairman Jim Zay. “Every year, students incorporate different technologies to advance their projects and bring new ideas to green building designs. I look forward to this event every year, and the students never disappoint.”
In addition to inspiring students to explore careers in sustainability, urban planning, architecture, and engineering, the competition promotes environmental and stormwater education within Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) curricula in local high schools.
SCARCE Founder and Executive Director Kay McKeen emphasizes the importance of STEM education both in the classroom and in real-life scenarios.
“The Sustainable Design Challenge provides a valuable experience for students who may be looking to study sustainability or a STEM field in college. Students use these valuable skills through the development of their projects, but also through their interactions at the event, including speaking with professionals and viewing real-life applications of green practices on the County campus,” McKeen said.
All DuPage County high schools are encouraged to participate. Past competitors include students from Wheaton Warrenville South, Wheaton North, Naperville North, Glenbard South, Glenbard East, Addison Trail, College Preparatory School of America, Neuqua Valley, York Community, Willowbrook, Downers Grove North, Downers Grove South, Hinsdale Central, Hinsdale South, Metea Valley, Waubonsie Valley, Montini Catholic, St. Francis, Wheaton Academy, and Lake Park high schools.
Registration will be open through April 3. For information on participating in this year’s challenge, visit www.scarce.org/sustainable-design.
