1) What is the purpose of the SocioTech Challenge? The challenge encourages our participating youth to communicate and collaborate with one another as they use other STEM literacy skills – problem solving, innovative thinking, and critical thinking to address a community concern. The challenge is also a way for the youth to earn funds for their respective program.
 
2) What is the duration of the SocioTech Challenge?  While your team may began brainstorming your project ideas immediately, the SocioTech challenge registration officially begins on October 24, 2024. The deadline to submit your team’s application packet is Monday, January 6, 2025, by midnight.
 
3) What, when, where is the SocioTech Kick Off?  The Challenge Kick Off will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2025.  The Kickoff is an opportunity to explore project ideas exhibitors.
 
4) We are non-STEM professionals; will subject matter professionals be available? Monthly progress meetings will be held, giving team mentors the opportunity to collaborate and exchange resources. We also plan to periodically have subject matter professionals present their industry information during progress meetings.
 
5) How are we to submit our final team project? Your final project should consist of 1) your project prototype (to be displayed during the community show case to be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025); 2) a video presentation link uploaded by Friday, March 21, 2025, at 5 PM.
 
6) According to the challenge rubric, our project will be judged by our budget adherence. Is there a particular format that should be followed?  Your budget should follow the layout of a balance sheet, income separated from expenses and your expenses should be itemized raw materials (kits are prohibited), services and fees.  Please work within a $200 budget.
 
7)  My organization would like to be an exhibitor during the Kickoff on Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 11AM – 2PM at the Old Civic Center. How do we apply?  We are looking for organizations that produce STEM related products and/or services that better the community and may be impacted by the manufacturing industry.  Please complete and submit the registration form https://forms.gle/SWKneRiFgextV5Mr5
by Saturday, October 26, 2024. It is free to be an exhibitor.
 
8) Should there be additional questions, what is the suggested method of contacting the Challenge program coordinator? Submit any question you may have to [email protected]. We will also have progress meetings throughout the duration of this Challenge.