American Rocketry Challenge (ARC)

Location:

Varies by year — most stages are local qualifying launches nationwide; the National Finals take place at Great Meadow, The Plains, Virginia

Cost:

Entry fees, rocket parts, and practice flights typically cost between $800 and $1,000 per team (practice launches, motors, materials), plus an estimated $365 fee for attending the Finals and travel expenses

Contest Date:

Registration opens in December, The National Finals will occur on May 16, 2026

Application Deadlines:

closes on December 6, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET

Eligibility:

U.S. teams composed of middle school or high school students (grades 6–12). Teams must be sponsored by a single school or U.S.‑based non‑profit youth organization (e.g., Scouts, 4‑H, Civil Air Patrol)

ARC is the world’s largest student rocketry competition, inviting teams to design, build, test, and launch a model rocket carrying an egg payload to precise altitude and duration requirements. Beyond STEM learning, it fosters teamwork, engineering design, and problem-solving skills, and offers scholarship opportunities, national recognition, and for finalists, a chance to compete internationally at the Paris Air Show.

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Please note: This information is compiled from publicly available sources and may change from year to year. Dates, locations, fees, and other details are subject to updates—please verify all information directly on the official competition website before applying.