The Bridge Builder Competition is a statewide engineering challenge for Hawai‘i high school juniors and seniors, presented by HDOT and STEMworks Hawai‘i and aligned with national AASHTO standards. Students will design, build, and test model cable-stayed bridges using a custom engineering kit and CAD software.
This is more than a competition—it’s a capstone opportunity that integrates real-world STEM skills, college and career readiness, and Hawai‘i DOE Performance-Based Assessment requirements. Top teams will present and test their designs live at the 2026 Hawai‘i STEM Conference. Participating teams will also qualify for the National AASHTO Bridge Builder Competition. The winning team of the HDOT and STEMworks Hawai‘i competition will win $1,000 for their program, and go on to compete nationally–travel & accommodations will be covered.
Sign up your school and team to join the 2025 Bridge Builder Challenge.
Students form teams of 2 and use only the provided kit (balsa wood, glue) to build a bridge with the best strength-to-weight ratio. Judging includes:
Get started with 3D modeling basics in MicroStation CONNECT Edition.
Learn how to navigate 3D models using walk-through and fly-through tools.
Explore how to work with surfaces, meshes, and advanced modeling elements.
Generate 2D documentation and details directly from your 3D models.
Attach references and export high-quality 2D/3D PDF deliverables.
CPU: Intel/AMD, 2.5 GHz or higher, SSE2 + AVX support
RAM: 8 GB minimum (16 GB recommended)
Storage: 25 GB free space
Graphics: DirectX-compatible GPU with ≥1 GB VRAM
Display: 1920×1080 resolution or higher
Recurring every first Wednesday from November 2025 to
February 2026.
Join via Zoom. Participants will be emailed the Zoom password separately.
Get virtual support for the Bridge Builder Competition.
Bookings open November 5.
The HDOT x STEMworks Hawai‘i Bridge Builder Competition is part of the AASHTO STEM Outreach Solutions network—a national initiative by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) to inspire the next generation of engineers and problem-solvers.
By participating, Hawai‘i students join a national community of young innovators tackling real-world infrastructure challenges. Our program follows official AASHTO Bridge Challenge guidelines, giving students the opportunity to:
By joining the competition, students gain exposure to national networks and career opportunities while representing Hawai‘i on a larger stage. Participants benefit from:
Learn more about the national program at:
transportation.org/stem-outreach-solutions/stem-bridge-competition
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