Past Competitions

Click the name of the winning school to see a copy of their Executive Summary, or click the year (where available) for a full recap of the contest.

2023

Challenge: Float the Docks
Winner: Christian Brothers College High School
Second Place: St. Louis CAPS 1 – won best Executive Summary
Third Place: St. Louis CAPS 2
Fourth Place: Parkway Spark! Team Sparkles – won best PowerPoint presentation

2022

Challenge: Elevator in Old Courthouse
Winner: Gibault Catholic High School

2021

Challenge: Ramp Accessibility from Wharf Street
Winner: Christian Brothers College High School

2020

Challenge: Drainage on the Arch Grounds
Winner: Parkway Central High School

2019

Challenge: Frontier Pioneer Wheelchair
Winner: Christian Brothers College High School

2018

Challenge: Sun Glare in the Visitor Center
Winner: Christian Brothers College High School

Testimonials

Brendan Benigno, CBC ’22, University of Colorado-Boulder

Even after just one project with the Gateway Arch Engineering Design Contest, I gained valuable technical writing, presentational speaking, and project communication skills. After coming back for two more years, I entered my first semester of university armed with practical research experience and a confidence gained by working on a “real world” project. The Arch competition taught me how to ask the right questions and activity seek out the best possible solution for any given project.

Joshua Laue, Parkway Central ‘21, Beloit College

The Gateway Arch Engineering Design Contest was the highlight of my senior year in high school.  I learned so much about working with others to solve an engineering problem, coupled with presentation and technical skills.  The contest was a centerpiece for my college application.  Once I got to college, I joined other engineering competitions, which resulted being part of a team that won the regional Make48 competition in Fall 2022.  I highly recommend this event for any student who is interested in math and science.

Jake Niehaus, CBC ’22, Clemson University

The Gateway Arch Engineering Competition has been the center of many of my essays and holds an important spot on my resumé. But that doesn’t compare to the conversations I have had with real engineers and industry professionals at events held by Clemson University’s College of Engineering, Computing, and Applied Sciences. When asked to describe the competition I have had several engineers tell me how specific talking points applied to their own jobs, what they look for in the hiring process, and challenges they face in team work environments. I am always excited to talk to them because they love to ask questions about the competition and our solutions.  The Arch competitions were some of my favorite and most meaningful experiences in my time at CBC!