REAL WORLD: REAL CHALLENGE
The Real World Design Challenge (RWDC) will begin addressing the technical workforce
needs of the United States during the 2008-2009 academic year.
by building the student/workforce pipeline in the participating
states. The impact of the RWDC will expand as the Challenge
grows beyond the pilot stage and will eventually involve students
in all fifty states and territories. As the Challenge grows,
new challenges will expose students to the technical needs of
many different industries. Access to industry-based software
tools and mentors from industry and the U.S. Department of Energy
National Laboratories will allow the Challenge to align secondary
education with 21st Century workforce needs and also will provide
professional development for educators. Utilizing a network
of partners led by the United States Department of Energy, Parametric
Technology Corporation (PTC), and state governments, the Real
World Design Challenge is a prime example of how government,
private industry, and our educational system can work together to keep our workforce the best in the world.
A highly skilled engineering workforce is
at the core of our Nation's economic competitiveness and national
security. The Real World Design Challenge will excite students
about what they learn in school by allowing them to tackle real
world problems and see the impact of their solutions. Many students
are already proficient with the types of high tech communication
tools that allow our industry leaders to collaborate. This proficiency
will be focused on the Challenge and put to constructive use.
The Challenge will build an innovative workforce for the future
by inspiring and engaging all students in STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics) education and by systematically
highlighting the potential opportunities open to workers in
scientific and engineering fields.
The Real World Design Challenge "bridges
the needs of industry with the future of education." It teaches innovation, creativity, and collaboration using expertise that industry
has been perfecting for decades. With this real world approach
to learning, we can keep our workforce strong and ensure America’s
prosperity for the future.
Mission of the Real World Design Challenge:
To inspire and engage all students in STEM
education and systematically highlight the potential of future
workers in science and engineering fields.
RWDC Documents & Downloads
Related Links & Information
