San Marcos, TX- May 9, 2011 – Can local middle schoolers do a better job of solving our nation’s energy crisis than our world leaders?  Finding an alternative energy resource for fossil fuels remains one of the country’s top priorities, and academics, politicians, and engineers are among those searching for solutions.  This fall, middle schoolers from across the nation will join them in tackling this issue.

As students return to school after summer vacation, Central Texas’s middle schoolers will be among those participating in National Engineers Week Foundation’s 2011-12 Future City® Competition, continuing in its 19th year.  They will be asked to design a method of providing electricity for a future city using an energy source that does not deplete natural resources and has limited impact on the environment.

Pre-registration for the popular competition is now open, allowing schools an opportunity to sign up early and get organized for the fall.  The deadline for schools nationwide to register is in late October. Future City is also looking for engineering and technical professionals who may be interested in serving as mentors.  For information, school registration, or to volunteer in the Future City Competition, visit www.futurecity.org.

Students start with a research essay describing their concept, which this year is themed Fuel Your Future: Imagine new ways to meet our energy needs and maintain a healthy planet.

As students envision new ways to produce electric power, they will identify the benefits and risks of their energy source solutions and provide suggestions on how to minimize the risks that their solutions present.  Participating students will use SimCity™ 4 Deluxe software to design a virtual Future City model incorporating their ideas.  Then they will build a physical model using recycled materials which can cost no more than $100 to build.

As they address their alternative energy solutions, they will consider the safety, cost, efficiency, and appearance of their ideas.  They will also learn about the engineering disciplines that encompass their solution, including learning and identifying the steps of the design process.

The 2011-12 Future City Competition is expected to attract more than 33,000 students from 1,000 middle schools in regions located across the country.  The annual challenge has received national attention and acclaim for its role in encouraging middle schoolers nationwide to develop their interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).  Through hands-on applications, Future City participants discover by doing how engineering is both accessible and can make a difference in the world.  Last year, for the first time, sixth graders were invited to join seventh and eighth grade students in the competition.

“What a great opportunity this year’s competition affords middle schoolers eager to explore their potential,” said Greg Bentley, CEO of Bentley Systems, a longtime sponsor of the Future City Competition.  “Meeting the challenge they’re being tasked with will help them appreciate the in-depth research, analysis, innovative thinking, and team collaboration employed by engineering professionals as they go about the crucial job of sustaining the world’s infrastructure.  At the same time, these young people will get to enjoy the incredibly rewarding experience of creating something whose ultimate purpose is improving quality of life for all of us.”

“As an energy company, we are very excited that the Future City 2011-2012 competition addresses such a real world issue,” said Debra Stewart, Director, Shell Supplier Diversity, Workforce Development & Diversity Outreach, Shell Oil Company.  “This project will give students an opportunity to gain a further understanding of the importance of energy, the environmental impact and the skills it will take to find viable solutions.  For our industry and the U.S. economy as a whole, it is critical that we continually encourage and stimulate interest in STEM from grade school through college to develop the “STEM-savvy” workforce of the future.  Not only is this vital for our country’s leadership position in an increasingly competitive world, but also, with a keen understanding and possibly a career in these disciplines, individuals will have the opportunity to help shape the future of our country and global community.”

Central Texas is one of nearly 40 regions taking part in this year’s competition.  The competition gets underway with the new school year in the fall and culminates with the regional finals in January, 2012.  The winning team from Central Texas will represent Central Texas at the national finals in Crystal City VA, which take place during Engineer’s Week, in February 2012.  The National Finals Grand Prize winners receive a trip to U.S. Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, provided by National Finals host Bentley Systems, Incorporated.

About Future City Competition

The 19th Annual National Engineers Week Foundation’s Future City Competition, for sixth, seventh and eighth grade students, is held from September, 2011 through February, 2012. The Future City Competition is a program of the NEWF - National Engineers Week Foundation, a consortium of professional and technical societies and major U.S. corporations. Major funding for the national finals comes from Bentley Systems, Incorporated and Shell.

About Engineers Week

The National Engineers Week Foundation, a formal coalition of more than 100 professional societies, major corporations and government agencies, is dedicated to ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce by increasing understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers among young students and by promoting pre-college literacy in math and science.  Engineers Week also raises public understanding and appreciation of engineers' contributions to society.  Founded in 1951, it is among the oldest of America's professional outreach efforts.  Co-chairs for 2012 are Battelle and ASME.  For more information, visit www.eweek.org.

CONTACT:

Central Texas Regional Coordinator:

Dawn Roberson

210-458-5520

ctxfuturecity@gmail.com

Sayles & Winnikoff Communications:

Jamie Goldman

212-725-5200 x122

Jamie@sayleswinnikoff.com