The South Carolina 4-H Engineering Challenge began in 2012 and has grown to approximately 250 youth competitors annually! Youth that participate in this competition report increased confidence and knowledge in science skills. The 2024 Engineering Challenge will be held at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds in Columbia, SC on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from 9 AM to 3 PM. We have several hands-on challenges available for youth 9-18 years old, and youth ages 5-8 are invited to participate in the Visual Arts Challenge. In addition to STEM-based challenges for youth competition, there will be an interactive STEAM Expo with multiple vendors, free to any participant or family member.

We have limited space in each challenge; so sign up early! Registration deadline is Friday, April 5, 2024. Full payment is due upon registration. No refunds will be issued within three weeks of the event.

2024 Challenge Areas

Team Challenges (2-4 youth per team) include:

• Bridge Building
• Lego Robotics
• Mystery (It's a mystery...teams will recieve their engineering challenge and materials on site.)
• Rocketry
  
  Individual Challenges (1 youth only) include:
• Coding
• Agriscience - Youth may also participate in pairs for this challenge.
• Visual Arts – Youth do not have to be present to participate. This challenge is open to youth ages 5-18.
  
  Resources
• Event Overview document
• All groups must register online for the 2024 event. However, you may collect your team's information in preparation to complete the online registration using the large group spreadsheet.

Frequently asked questions

• Is lunch included?

No. Participants may prepurchase an optional chicken sandwich meal ticket in advance using the online registration page. A small number of lunch tickets will be available on the day of the event, but are not guaranteed unless purchased in advance of the event. Participants may bring their own lunch to the event.

• Is 4-H Membership required?
  No. 4-H membership is not required for participation in this event. This event does not assume custodial care of youth in attendance. Parents, guardians, or chaperones must be present for the supervision of participants.

• Can youth participate in multiple events?

Yes. Youth are encouraged to participate in multiple challenges if the timelines do not overlap. Please view the Event Overview document for a timeline in preparation to register.

• Can I pay by check?

Yes. All groups must register through this Eventbrite page. However, you may still pay by check. During registration, please note that you prefer to pay by check. Checks should written to Clemson University with 4-H Engineering Challenge in the memo line. They must be postmarked by March 8th and mailed to Clemson Extension 4-H Youth Development, 267 Lehotsky Hall, Clemson, SC 29634 in order to complete your registration and save your team's spot(s).

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Please note that this event and its coordinators do not assume custodial care of youth in attendance. Adults (parents, guardians, volunteers, coaches, or chaperones) must be present for the supervision of youth participants.

Civil Rights Statement