Pathways into Engineering, an initiative of the National Academy of Engineering, is focused on introducing K–12 students to engineering and encouraging their continued exploration of the field. The initiative supports programs that inform and inspire young people while equipping educators, mentors, and supporters with tools to guide students on their journey.
These efforts aim to open doors to engineering for students from all backgrounds and help foster a skilled and engaged future workforce. A central element of this work is the EngineerGirl program, a nationally recognized outreach effort established in 2001, as well as the newly developed companion platform, EngineerTeen, designed to engage a wider audience of young people.
The annual Engineering Writing Contest is a flagship program of both EngineerGirl and EngineerTeen. This year Pathways into Engineering is trying something new with the Engineering Writing Contest. Since visual thinking is an important part of engineering design, students are asked to use art to express how engineers create a better world, accompanied by a written artist’s statement that explains how the artwork demonstrates that contribution.
The contest is open to individual students in three categories: Elementary School Students (grades 3–5); Middle School Students (grades 6–8); and High School Students (grades 9–12). Winners in each grade category will receive the following prizes: First-place winners will be awarded $1,000; second-place entries will be awarded $750; and third-place entries will be awarded $500.
Submissions will be judged by a slate of volunteers that include professionals from various engineering fields. The judges will be looking for Thematic Accuracy/Message, Perspective, Creativity, Engineering Design Process, Understanding of the Role of Engineering, and Writing and Communication. Teachers and students can review the scoring rubric in advance of the judging.
Submissions are due by February 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (EST). Finalists will be notified by May 1, 2026. Winners will be notified by June 1, 2026.