S.T.E.M. programs are everywhere in education these days and for good reason. They help students get ready for a technology-driven world, but that doesn’t mean that we should not nurture our students’ creativity. In the words of Albert Einstein, “Creativity is intelligence having fun!” That is precisely what academic competitions bring to a student’s education —it gives them an outlet to learn and grow in a fun and hands-on way. 

If you are looking to inspire your student, encourage them to think outside the box, and let their creativity run wild, check out these artistic, academic competitions.

Cooper Hewitt National High School Design Competition

Each year students who compete in this competition are tasked with using their design skills to solve a problem and make the world a more beautiful place. In the first year of competition, students had to design an outdoor garden chair that was comfortable, functional, and unexpected. In another year’s competition, students had to create a solution to bring healthy and fresh food to their community. A winner will be chosen based on the design, its impact on the community, and the design’s relevance to the task given. These parameters give students enough guidance and structure to make winning a challenge, but also enough freedom to get creative and let their imaginations run wild. 

Design Squad Global 

Students will be given a prompt containing a specific problem. They will then design a solution to the problem and bring it to life. Students can choose to build their solution using things around the house, but they are also welcome to draw a mockup or create an online design. The entries will then be presented online, and a winner will be selected by popular vote. 

Future City

Future city asks participants to imagine what a better world looks like and then research, design, and build their own city. Their pretend city should be designed to showcase their creative solution to a citywide sustainability issue. In the past, students have come up with innovative solutions to problems such as stormwater management, urban agriculture, and green energy.  

L.A.M.P. International Lighting Design Competition

Students will be given a theme and then asked to create their own light fixture that showcases their unique architectural design. Entries will be judged on their aesthetics, functionality, creativity, and respectful use of the materials to represent the theme. This competition offers students the opportunity to show their design skills in a unique and hands-on way.

National Geographic Students Photo Contest 

Participants of this academic competition are competing to win National Geographic recognition and a spot on one of their photography trips. Students will submit their best photos that capture the spirit of exploration along with a short description of the moment in time that is captured in the images. Winning this competition is the ultimate honor for students in 7-12th grade interested in photography. 

Odyssey of the Mind

This competition asks students to get creative to solve a long-term problem that personally affects them or their community. It gives them a great outlet to work together and make the world around them a better place. Participants in Odyssey of the mind will build self-confidence while learning crucial life skills to help them thrive into adult adulthood. 

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If you are interested in any of the competitions above or you’d like to learn about others, head to our competitions page to see what academic competitions are coming up. Set up your account to follow competitions that excite you and stay up-to-date on all the news with academic competitions.

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