Families Unleash Creativity in Statewide Engineering Challenge to Support Food Drive

October 24, 2024

This fall, families across Pennsylvania are showcasing their engineering skills and contributing to a statewide food drive as they participate in the Engineering Against the Elements competition organized by the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School’s Polytechnic Academy.

Participants are using common household items to build structures that may withstand natural disasters. Families continue to bring non-perishable food items for donation to assist communities in Pennsylvania.

“We’re thrilled to see families come together to learn and innovate while also giving back to their communities,” said Eric Woelfel, the Deputy Chief Operations Officer at the cyber charter school.

Students and their parents are constructing the following:

• The tallest skyscraper
• A beach house that can withstand a hurricane
• A hospital strong enough to support a helicopter on the helipad
• A structure that can withstand an earthquake

The program will be held from now through early November at locations across the state. The program has taken place at eight of PA Cyber’s regional offices throughout the state so far and will be held at three more locations over the next two weeks.

Altoona

Curry Innovation Center, 1425 11th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16601

October 25, 2024, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Harrisburg

3721 Tecport Drive, Suite 102, Harrisburg, PA 17111

October 29, 2024, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Midland

1200 Midland Avenue, Midland, PA 15059

November 6, 2024, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

The regional office that collects the most non-perishable food items will receive a trophy in recognition of their generosity.