American Rocketry Challenge
Scholarship Sponsored by National Association of Rocketry
The American Rocketry Challenge stands as the globe's most extensive rocket competition, drawing close to 5,000 student participants from across the nation annually. This contest offers a unique platform for middle and high school students to design, construct, and launch model rockets, thereby gaining practical experience in tackling engineering problems.
The Aerospace Industries Association and the National Association of Rocketry jointly organize the ARC, with the backing of more than a dozen aerospace company sponsors and collaborations with entities such as NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration. This yearly challenge serves as the aerospace industry's premier program, aimed at inspiring students to explore academic and career paths in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.
Understanding the Rules
- Each team comprises 3 to 10 students from grades 6 to 12, a supervisor, and an official mentor from the Rocketry Challenge.
- The rules undergo minor changes each year to introduce a fresh challenge to the participants.
What if I'm Not Well-Versed in Rocketry?
The American Rocketry Challenge provides access to a nationwide network of aerospace professionals and rocketry specialists from the National Association of Rocketry and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. These mentors are ready and willing to guide your team, assisting with organization, rocket construction, and exploration of career pathways.
What's in Store for the Winners?
- Teams vying for the Finals have the chance to win a portion of over $100,000 in cash prizes. Special awards are also given for various activities throughout the day.
- The team that secures the top spot at the National Finals is rewarded with an all-expenses-paid trip to represent the United States at the International Rocketry Challenge.