SheBuilds
Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 9 AM to 2 PM
Chattanooga Construction Career Center, 2225 Roanoke Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37406
Building the Next Generation of
Engineers & Builders
SheBuilds: Engineering Our Communities is a hands-on, high-energy engineering and construction experience for students in grades 6–12. Through open-ended design challenges, teamwork, and mentorship from local engineers and construction professionals, students will build confidence, explore real-world careers, and see how engineering shapes the communities around them.
Hands-On
Challenges
Mentorship
Career
Exploration
Team
Design
Student
Showcase
For Students
in grades 6-12
LIMITED CAPACITY
WHY SHEBUILDS?
Students learn best by doing—and SheBuilds gives them the chance to solve real problems the way engineers do: with creativity, constraints, teamwork, and iteration.
SheBuilds is designed to:
- Increase access to engineering experiences for youth in Chattanooga
- Provide early exposure for middle and high school students (grades 6–12)
- Create meaningful connections with local professionals and pathways
- Inspire girls and underrepresented students to see themselves in engineering and construction
This event is hosted by SheSTEAM and supported by the DiscoverE Engineers Week Outreach., with fiscal sponsorship from African Research Collaborative (501(c)(3)).
EVENT SCHEDULE
- 8:00-9:00: Volunteer Arrival + Setup
- 8:30-9:15: Student Check-In + Breakfast
- 9:15-9:30: Welcome + Safety Brief + Team Assignments
- 9:30-11:00: Challenge Session (Build + Test)
- 11:00-11:15: Break
- 11:15-12:30: Challenge Session II (Improve + Final Build)
- 12:30-1:15: Student Showcase + Judging
- 1:15-1:45: Career Spotlight + Scholarships/Opportunities
- 1:45-2:00: Awards + Closing
- 2:00-3:00: Cleanup + Breakdown (Volunteers)
Schedule may be refined as partners are confirmed.
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Career Spotlight Speakers Coming Soon!
We will feature local engineers and construction professionals sharing career pathways, internships, and scholarship opportunities.
ENGINEERING CHALLENGES
Bridge Build Challenge
Teams design and build a bridge model using everyday materials. Bridges will be tested for strength, stability, and efficiency.
Sustainable Mini-Home Design Challenge
Teams design and build a small-scale model home that considers:
- structural stability
- efficient material use
- simple sustainability concepts (layout/orientation/insulation ideas)
Teams will present their design choices and what they learned.
Career & Skills Connections
Throughout the day, mentors will connect challenges to real-world engineering and construction careers—including civil engineering, architecture, project management, construction management, skilled trades, and energy.
Get Involved
- Support youth teams, event flow, setup, check-in, or photography/media.
- Perks: Breakfast/lunch, volunteer swag (as available), and the joy of inspiring future builders.
- Shift: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (includes setup/breakdown)
Partner
(Booth/In-Kind Support)
- Showcase your organization and inspire the next generation. Partners can:
- Host a hands-on station or mini-demo
- Provide STEM/engineering swag and resources
- Donate materials/supplies for challenges
Help us cover key event costs like the Saturday facility fee, supplies, breakfast, materials, printing, and student safety gear. Sponsorship is a powerful way to build local visibility while supporting workforce development.
- Support youth teams, event flow, setup, check-in, or photography/media.
- Perks: Breakfast/lunch, volunteer swag (as available), and the joy of inspiring future builders.
- Shift: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (includes setup/breakdown)
Venue Information
FAQs
What can I expect?
A fun, structured day of hands-on team challenges, mentorship, and a student showcase.
How much does it cost?
Free to attend. Registration is required. Space is limited.
Who can attend?
Students in grades 6–12. We especially welcome girls and underrepresented students, but all students in grades 6–12 are welcome.
Can parents drop off students?
Yes. This is a supervised drop-off event with required check-in and check-out procedures.
How do I register?
Click “Register to Attend” and complete the parent/guardian registration form.
How can I volunteer or support?
Click “Sign Up to Volunteer” or “Partner/Sponsor” to get involved.
Have questions?
Email us at shesteamteam@shesteam.com
Join Us in Building Chattanooga's Future
SheBuilds is more than an event, it's a community effort to inspire and equip the next generation.