The program, which at the national level is in its 13th year, asks students to create cities of the future, first on a computer and then on large tabletop models. Students, working in teams with a teacher and volunteer engineer mentor, must also write a city abstract and an essay on using engineering to solve an important social need. This year’s theme is “How can futuristic transportation systems efficiently use aggregate materials—crushed stone, sand, and gravel—as a basic construction product?”

Preliminary judging begins at 8 a.m. At 10 a.m., the public will be allowed into the ballroom to view the city models. At 2 p.m. the top six schools will be announced, with the final round of judging beginning at 2:15 p.m. The awards presentation and announcement of the winning regional team will begin at 3:30 p.m. That team will join other regional winners from around the country on an all-expenses-paid trip to the Future City National Finals in Washington, D.C., Feb. 21-23, during national Engineers Week.

The competition at IPFW is coordinated by the School of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science, with assistance and support from NE Indiana National Engineers Week Committee, Science Central, Fort Wayne Community Schools, and the City of Fort Wayne.

For more information, call Carol Dostal at 260-481-6905.