Buzzing With Excitement
For the second year in a row, Harrisburg’s Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts buzzed with excitement, as it played host to the Future City Central Pennsylvania Regional Competition in late January. This year’s theme, “Electrify Your Future,” inspired teams of young visionaries to showcase their innovative ideas for creating sustainable, electrified cities of tomorrow.
Students are challenged to “design a 100% electrically powered city with energy generated from sources that keep your citizens and the environment healthy and safe,” as they compete regionally to advance in the national/international round during Engineer’s Week in February. Learn more about the DiscoverE Future City competition.
From Clean Energy to Electrification Solutions
Harrisburg’s competition featured teams of middle schoolers from across Central Pennsylvania, who spent months researching, designing, and refining their future cities. Each team had the opportunity to present their vision to a panel of judges, sharing unique concepts for electrifying their urban landscapes.
One common thread that ran through many of the presentations was an emphasis on clean energy solutions. Teams brought forth creative ideas for harnessing renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower to meet the energy needs of their cities while embracing sustainability.
Electric mobility was another recurring theme, reflecting the growing importance of sustainable transportation. Teams showcased charging stations, electric buses, and integrated public transportation systems—explaining how the future of urban mobility lies in electrification.
Smart Cities and STEM
Various teams incorporated advanced technologies in their city designs from smart grids and data analytics to IoT (Internet of Things) solutions. It was clear that these young engineers had a keen understanding of how connectivity and automation can enhance the efficiency and sustainability of a city.
The Future City competition isn’t just about presenting ideas—it’s about nurturing the next generation of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) leaders. The event served as a platform for middle schoolers to explore their passion for STEM and interact with professionals in these fields.