PITTSBURGH – WQED is celebrating 16 years of inspiring young innovators through Design Lives Here, a hands-on engineering competition for students in grades 5-8 across 40 local schools. This engaging program is part of a broader initiative to encourage teachers and students to engage in STEM education throughout the entire semester, both in school and after-school programs. Students are challenged to think like engineers while working alongside real-world mentors.
During a day-long competition, students will collaborate in teams to tackle two dynamic engineering challenges, guided by professional mentors. In addition, students will take part in the Invention Showcase, a pre-event competition where students identify a real-world problem in one of seven categories—including kitchen/culinary, pets, sports/hobbies, and transportation vehicles—create a prototype and submit a video showcasing their innovative solution. Winners will be announced during the event.
Inspired by the PBS show “Design Squad Nation,” Design Lives Here has engaged thousands of middle school students since the program began, equipping them with problem-solving skills and fostering a passion for engineering.
“This program’s growth has been incredible. Students engage in challenges, create prototypes, and on event day, collaborate with unfamiliar peers to solve engineering problems—building key workforce skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability,” said Gwen Anderson, Project Manager for Design Lives Here.
This year, the program has expanded from a single culminating event to four regional competitions across WQED’s Learning Neighborhoods:
- Tuesday, March 4: Frank Sarris Public Library (Washington County)
- Wednesday, March 12: Franklin Regional Middle School (Westmoreland County)
- Thursday, March 20: Community College of Beaver County (Beaver County)
- Wednesday, March 25: PennWest Clarion University (Clarion County)
WQED proudly welcomes 20 new schools among over 40 participating in this year’s program. This expansion ensures that more students have the chance to engage in STEM learning and work alongside professional mentors. Educators have seen firsthand the impact of this initiative. Reflecting on last year’s program, Sandra Shirey, a principal in Redbank Valley School District, said, “I would like to thank [WQED] for the amazing opportunity that you provided the students of Redbank Valley with the Design Lives Here Challenge. Being from such a small, rural area, our students are not afforded many opportunities, especially those involving science and technology. I appreciate your coming to our area and allowing our students to showcase their talents and giving them an opportunity they would not otherwise have.”
For a complete list of participating schools and to learn more, visit the WQED website.
The 2024-2025 Design Lives Here initiative is a project of WQED, with major underwriting by Hunting Bank, PPG, Ansys, Engineering Society of Western Pennsylvania, ATI, MSA Safety, and Gateway Engineers.