Frequently Asked Questions
What is the STEM Challenge?
The STEM Challenge is a fun way for students to showcase their STEM skills! The Challenge is organized as a
team-based competition with two levels: Beginner and Advanced. Each team will rotate through a series of
challenges and have a chance to demonstrate skills such as: problem solving, critical thinking, creative
engineering, and more.
How much will it cost?
Nothing! It is completely free.
When is the STEM Challenge?
April 9th 2022
Who Can Participate?
The STEM Challenge is open to all High-School Students, Community College Students, and Undergraduate
University Students. All we ask is that you register for the STEM Challenge if you plan on participating. Also,
each team must have a Faculty Sponsor from their School or University.
Do team members need to be from the same school?
Nope! Your team can be composed of students from any school or university. Though, we would recommend
keeping the grade levels of students within a team as close to each other as possible.
What if I don't have a team?
Don't have a team? Don't worry! Just email us at abeysekera@uhcl.edu and we will get you set up.
What is Involved?
Participants will go through a series of fun challenges designed to demonstrate their STEM skills, including
programming, problem solving, and more! We recommend that at least one person in the team has some
fundamental programming exp in C++, Java OR Python.
What is a "Faculty Sponsor" and why do we need one?
Your Faculty Sponsor is just any faculty member from your school who can vouch for your team.
How do I choose my track?
This year's STEM Challenge will have two tracks:
Programming & Science. You get to choose which track you
want to participate in.
Only those who have programming knowledge in C, Java or Python should join the
programming track. Those who don't have any programming knowledge should join science track.
How many people can be on a team?
Teams will be limited to a maximum of 4 team members.
Do I need to bring anything?
Nope! Everything your team needs will be provided on the day of the Challenge.
I don't know how to program. Can I still participate?
Absolutely! You should then sign-up for the Science Track
I'm terrible at Math. Can I still participate?
It is not necessary for participants to have expertise in any particular STEM field. While the challenges are
taken from and inspired by STEM subjects, they are designed in a way that will allow anyone to participate,
and succeed!
What are the Prizes?
Scholarship to UHCL, Internships Interviews for internship opportunities with NASA contractors. Kindles, Scientific Computers, Restaurant gift certificates, and many more