International Bridge Building Contest

Location:

Regional qualifiers held across U.S. locations, leading to the international final in Chicago, Illinois.

Cost:

Varies by region; some regional qualifiers may allow mail‑in entry; confirm with each host.

Contest Date:

International finals scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Chicago

Application Deadlines:

Varies by regional qualifier—typically registration closes several weeks before the international finals; regional first‑ and second‑place winners advance

Eligibility:

Individual high school students only (teams may build but only one individual entry is recognized)

This competition challenges high school students to design, construct, and test a model bridge built solely from basswood and adhesive, following precise weight and dimension specifications. Judging emphasizes structural efficiency—the strongest bridge relative to its weight wins. Regional contests in multiple U.S. states select qualifiers for the international final in Chicago

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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.