November 15, 2022
The “We [Heart] Veterans Pin Design” Challenge is back for its second year, inviting students in grades 4–12 to put their 3D design skills to the test to show their appreciation for US veterans. The Army Educational Outreach Program will again sponsor the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) challenge, this year in partnership with Future Engineers, an organization that administers free, online STEM competitions for students.
Students are challenged to create a digital 3D model of a wearable pin to be 3D printed and distributed to US veterans at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio. Students’ pin designs should be original and show appreciation or gratitude for veterans of any US military service branch. Students should submit an STL file of their 3D model, an image of their design, and a text description of their entry.
Judges reviewing the entries will include US service members and veterans. The top 10 finalists in each grade-level category (20 finalists total) will have their designs 3D printed and handed out to veterans who visit the museum. Finalists will each receive five prints of their design and a $100 gift card toward a professional 3D printer. The challenge winner (two grand-prize winners total) will get a trip for two to Columbus, Ohio, to attend a special event on Memorial Day at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. Each winner will also receive a 3D printer donated to the school, library, or organization of their choice.
Deadlines: Entries are due by 8:59 p.m. (PT) on December 14, 2022; finalists will be announced on February 23, 2023; winners will be announced on April 4, 2023.