The VEX U college and university competition has more than 300 teams competing in local tournaments and at VEX Worlds. Based on the VEX Robotics Competition, VEX U teams are allowed more customization and greater flexibility than other grade levels while providing the effective costs and real-world limitations of a restricted development environment.

Tennessee Quantum Hackathon

Where quantum meets real-world challenges.

Participant applications are open for students. Tell us about your background, interests, and team status so we can help you get connected before the event.

Watch competitors take on real-world welding challenges, demonstrate technical skills, and compete for top honors. Proudly sponsored by local industry partners and businesses, this event highlights the strong community support behind skilled trades education. Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) generously volunteer their time and expertise to serve as judges, ensuring a professional and rewarding experience for every competitor.

An exclusive U.S. institute providing manufacturers with connections, collaborative relationships, and certifications for improving manufacturing processes.

The Smart Factory Institute is available to all manufacturers, large and small, across the country for innovation and workforce training.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in STEM

STEM for Her inspires 6th-12th grade female students to ignite their curiosity and passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through hands-on activities, career exploration, and mentorship from industry professionals, students will build confidence, uncover their potential, and explore exciting opportunities in STEM!

The Chattanooga Engineers Club is proud to partner with Silverdale Baptist Academy (SBA) for an inside look at how SBA is inspiring the next generation of engineers and innovators. This program will be led by the Program Director, Ashley Thompson. SBA offers a robust K–12 STEAM program and an expanding Career and Technology Education (CTE) curriculum designed to provide hands-on, real-world skill development—a perfect alignment with the Club’s commitment to fostering young engineering talent in our community.

Highlights of SBA’s programs include:

• A new dedicated academic building equipped for advanced technical learning.

• Specialized courses such as Set Design, Coding, and Robotics.

• “Beyond the Classroom” outdoor education initiatives that encourage creativity and problem-solving in real-world environments.

Join us to see how SBA is preparing students for future careers in engineering and technology—and learn how the Chattanooga Engineers Club can help support and mentor these emerging innovators.

About Ashley Thompson:

Ashley Thompson serves as the STEAM Program Director at Silverdale Baptist Academy, where she leads initiatives to integrate science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics into a dynamic K–12 curriculum. Prior to joining SBA, Ashley spent 14 years at BASF, holding roles as Process Engineer, Operations Manager, and Production & Technology Manager. She brings extensive industry experience to education, helping students connect classroom learning with real-world applications. Ashley earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC).

“SheBuilds” is a powerful, female-focused engineering workshop creating space for girls and young women to explore STEAM, Art, and WebTech alongside brilliant women who are shaping the future.

Join us at ChattState for 2026 STEM Day: Engineering the Future

Students in grades 7–10 are invited to explore STEM topics and career pathways alongside engineering professionals and fellow students during an engaging, hands-on experience. The event will feature interactive workshops, a panel discussion, and a pizza lunch, offering multiple ways to learn and connect. It will take place on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Gerald McCormick Center for Engineering, Technology, Arts, and Sciences.

The MATHCOUNTS Foundation is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to engaging middle school students in grades 6 through 8 through dynamic math programs that build confidence and foster positive attitudes toward problem solving. The Chattanooga Chapter of the MATHCOUNTS Competition will take place on February 21 at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, with a competition lockout date of February 17. This local event brings together students, educators, and volunteers to celebrate math achievement and inspire the next generation of problem solvers.

ACE is a no-cost after-school program that prioritizes workforce development for high school students by connecting them with experts from the design and construction industry.  The nonprofit operates with the mission to “engage, excite and enlighten high school students to pursue careers in architecture, engineering and construction through mentoring and continued support for their advancement into the industry.”  Locally, the Southeast Tennessee and North Georgia affiliate has operated since 2009 and reached over 600 students at 20 area high schools.  For more information about the ACE Mentor Program, visit their website at Chattanooga, TN – ACE Mentor Program of America or contact Breanne Kintz, executive director.

The VEX V5 Robotics Competition, presented by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, is the largest and fastest growing middle school and high school robotics program globally with more than 20,000 teams from 50 countries playing in over 1,700 competitions worldwide.

Join ASME and CEC for a special Engineers Week celebration and our final program of 2025: Looking Ahead with Keri Randolph, the new President of the Benwood Foundation. Come hear her insights on what’s next for our city and how we can build a stronger, more connected future together.

Join SheSteam for a Virtual Partner Party! A one-hour celebration of collaboration, connection, and community. Together, we’ll honor our partners and build momentum for what’s ahead.

Join the Mechatronics Club for ba battle bots tournament! Open to anyone, you don’t have to be a club member to participate.